Mesothelioma is a malignant tumour that is caused by inhaled asbestos fibres and forms in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Symptoms can include shortness of breath and chest pain. The life expectancy for most mesothelioma patients is approximately 12 months after diagnosis. Treatment may improve prognosis and can include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.
What Is Mesothelioma Cancer?
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, incurable, asbestos-related cancer that usually affects the lining of the lungs. This cancer is known as pleural mesothelioma. But mesothelioma tumours can also form on the linings of the abdomen, heart and testes.
KEY FACTS ABOUT MESOTHELIOMA
More than 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed yearly in the United States.
Pleural mesothelioma accounts for 75% of cases.
The average age of a mesothelioma patient is 69.
Men represent the majority of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Average life expectancy for mesothelioma patients is 12 to 21 months.
Mesothelioma developing in the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium
Mesothelioma tumours develop in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma appear when tumours spread, grow and press against the chest wall and the abdominal cavity. Chest pain and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms.
COMMON MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS
- Dry coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Respiratory complications
- Pain in the chest or abdomen
- Fever or night sweats
- Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
- Fatigue
- Weakness in the muscles
Diagnosing Mesothelioma
A biopsy is the only mesothelioma test that confirms a diagnosis. Doctors may use additional diagnostic procedures. An early mesothelioma diagnosis may increase a patient's eligibility for all treatment options.
Imaging Scans
Most people initially undergo a basic chest X-ray to check for any abnormalities. If an abnormal growth or fluid around the lung is detected, doctors will recommend a more detailed imaging scan such as a PET scan, CT scan or MRI.
Biopsies
If cancer is suspected, doctors will recommend taking a sample of tissue, also knowns as a biopsy. Doctors use this tissue sample to definitively confirm the presence of malignant mesothelioma cells.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be used but do not confirm the presence of mesothelioma. Researchers are evaluating if blood tests can aid in the early diagnosis of at-risk former asbestos workers.
Staging
Doctors use at least five staging systems to stage pleural mesothelioma. The IMIG staging system is preferred. No universal staging system exists for the other mesothelioma types.
Mesothelioma Causes
Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. People exposed to asbestos at home, work or in the military have a higher risk of developing the cancerous disease.
HOW MESOTHELIOMA DEVELOPS
1. Person inhaling asbestos fibers
A person inhales or swallows microscopic airborne asbestos fibers.
2. Asbestos fibers entering the lungs
The asbestos fibers become lodged in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart.
3. Asbestos fibers lodged in mesothelium causing inflammation
Embedded fibers damage mesothelial cells and cause inflammation.
4. Mesothelioma tumor forming in mesothelium
Over time, tumors form on the damaged mesothelium, leading to mesothelioma.
