What is mesothelioma?
Cancer is a growing problem that spreads far too fast among far too many people. It answers to no one and doesn’t care if you’re male or female, old or young, or weak or strong. Cancer starts when cells begin to grow rapidly in a part of the body. The location of these rampant and rebellious cells gives the cancer its name. When these uncontrollable cells appear around certain organs in the chest, it’s known as mesothelioma. While this kind of cancer may be less familiar than others, it can be even more dangerous because it’s so aggressive. So, familiarize yourself with mesothelioma and how often it occurs, along with the causes, risks, and symptoms of this dangerous disease. Then, uncover the most effective treatments to help stop mesothelioma from spreading.
The bottom line on mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and rare form of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue that lines and protects certain internal organs in the middle of your body, including the abdomen, lungs, and heart. This thin outer layer of tissue is known as the mesothelium. This layer of tissue helps protect your organs by allowing them to move as needed, such as letting your lungs contract and expand as you breathe. Precisely where the mesothelioma tumors grow gives each form its specific name, with the four categories of this kind of cancer being:
- Pleural mesothelioma, one of the most common kinds, is when tumors form in the lining around the lungs.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma, another frequent form, is the name for cancers beginning in the layer around the abdomen.
- Pericardial mesothelioma consists of tumors growing on the lining of the heart.
- Tunica vaginalis mesothelioma, while very rare, is cancer on the lining of the testes.
The spread of mesothelioma
Perhaps the reason that mesothelioma may sound unfamiliar is because it’s rather rare. Just around 3,000 cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. While less common than many other cancers, mesothelioma is still cause for concern because new cases continue to appear. It’s more common in people who are White, Latino, and Hispanic than those who are African American and Asian. The disease also appears more in older people than young.
Exposing the causes
The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to fibers of asbestos. The needle-like fibers of asbestos are very strong and heat resistant, so they have been woven into many kinds of commercial, construction, industrial, and automotive products. If asbestos is disturbed or deteriorates in any way, its tiny fibers can be released into the air and can be easily inhaled. Once swallowed, these prickly fibers get into your body and can become lodged in the very thin linings of the lungs, abdomen, and chest. Injuring this delicate tissue naturally causes inflammation, which leads to mesothelioma.
Lining up the risk factors
The main culprit behind this kind of cancer is asbestos. As a result, your risk rises with your amount of asbestos exposure. Yet this isn’t the only factor since other aspects can increase your risk of developing the disease. The actions and attributes that may make you more susceptible include:
- Exposure to asbestos at work.
- Living with family members or friends who work around asbestos.
- Working or living in a building where asbestos-containing materials are deteriorating.
- Residing in an area that has natural asbestos deposits and mines.
- Your age, with people over age 65 much more at risk.
- Gender since men are more likely to be diagnosed than women.
- Radiation exposure from prior cancer treatment may also be a factor, but this is quite rare.
Common symptoms of a rare kind of cancer
Mesothelioma can seem like a mystery for many reasons. For one, it can take decades for any symptoms to appear. And since symptoms are similar to those experienced with other cancers and conditions, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed. In addition, the symptoms depend on the location of the tumors. But since mesothelioma is a very aggressive kind of cancer, it’s vital to see your SignatureMD-affiliated physician as soon as you experience symptoms—no matter how mild or vague they may be. The main symptoms of the two most common kinds of mesothelioma include:
Pleural mesothelioma
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the chest beneath the rib cage
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Sudden weight loss
Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Swollen abdomen
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Unexplained weight loss
Treating and beating mesothelioma
There are available methods and medications for treating mesothelioma and the type of treatment varies by the location of the tumors and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The most effective treatments include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapies
- Clinical trials
If there’s a silver lining to mesothelioma, it’s that greater awareness and medical advances are leading to new treatments and bringing fresh hope of a cure for this rare kind of cancer.