What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a protective membrane that covers the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. This rare cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos or other lung irritants. A very aggressive disease, mesothelioma is often resistant to treatment of the most common cancers. There is no cure for this serious disease, but many researchers are focusing on this area. Inducing remission has been successful in some patients, and there are treatment options for pain relief, extend life expectancy and improve the quality of life of patients.

Symptoms of mesothelioma


The main symptoms of the early stages of mesothelioma are chest pain, cough, and fatigue. Although caused by asbestos, cancer symptoms may not appear until up to fifty years after exposure to irritants. In general, mesothelioma do not appear until at least twenty years after the initial exposure. Due to the fact that the early symptoms are mild and can be caused by other diseases, combined with the final appearance after exposure, mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until the symptoms worsen and become more serious cancer. Later symptoms may include anemia, weight loss can not be explained, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea or constipation, chest pain, bowel obstruction, and night sweats. The prognosis is much better when the disease is caught in its early stages. Thus, anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should see a doctor immediately if they experience persistent chest pain, cough, or fatigue.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Unfortunately, mesothelioma symptoms overlap with symptoms of other diseases. Consequently, the diagnosis can be difficult. Patients presenting serious symptoms of this cancer will undergo a complete physical examination, imaging tests, tissue biopsies, and lung function tests. Further tests, such as liquid biopsy, magnetic resonance images, and blood tests may also be ordered by the oncologist to get a complete picture of the disease.

Types of Mesothelioma

As mentioned above, the mesothelium covering the heart, lungs, and other internal organs. Each organ is covered by a protective membrane may be affected during mesothelioma. The three main types of mesothelioma, the target three different areas, have been identified. More than 75% of all mesothelioma patients suffer from pleural mesothelioma, which is centered on the pleura lining of the lungs. Patients may experience shortness of breath, hoarseness, chest pain, and muscle fatigue. Peritoneal mesothelioma is based on the peritoneum, or membrane that covers the abdominal organs. Peritoneal mesothelioma causes fever, diarrhea and constipation, weight loss, blood clotting abnormalities, fluid accumulation and intestinal obstruction. The last type and rarest of mesothelioma affects the pericardium, or the membrane that surrounds the heart. Rare and aggressive, pericardial mesothelioma cause severe chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. Patients with pericardial mesothelioma are not candidates for surgery because of this form of the disease is usually not diagnosed until the later stages.

Who Gets Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is caused by inhaling asbestos. The irritants are inhaled, traveling to all organs of the body. Depending on where the ground asbestos in the course of their lungs, heart, or abdominal organs can be affected. Anyone who worked with asbestos materials for life are at increased risk for serious illness. Examples of professions associated with hazardous substances include: some military veterans, construction workers, renovation crews, mechanics, insulators, asbestos mine and mill workers, boiler workers, and employees of asbestos manufacturing. Due to the serious nature of this disease, anyone who works in this profession, as well as others who have worked with asbestos, should seek medical attention immediately if they display symptoms listed above.

Living With Mesothelioma

Although mesothelioma is classified as an aggressive cancer, some patients have lived for many years with this disease. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques are essential to maintain a high quality of life. While mesothelioma is not curable, appropriate treatment and a positive outlook can help ensure the happiness and comfort of most patients.