MESOTHELIOMA
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that lines vital internal organs such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen. The disease is directly linked to asbestos exposure, often occurring in workplace settings or environments where asbestos materials were present.
There are four main types of mesothelioma, categorized based on the affected area:
This cancer has an extended latency period, often taking 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure to develop, as the fibers embed in the mesothelium and cause long-term inflammation that leads to cancerous changes. This latency means that individuals exposed to asbestos decades ago are only now being diagnosed.
While mesothelioma primarily affects men over 60—particularly military veterans, construction workers, and industrial laborers—anyone exposed to asbestos fibers is at risk, regardless of age, gender, or occupation.
High-risk individuals include those who:
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Worked directly with asbestos-containing materials, such as in mining, manufacturing, or construction.
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Lived with someone who was regularly exposed to asbestos, such as a family member who then brought asbestos fibers home on their clothing.
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Inhabited buildings containing asbestos, whether through structural materials or insulation.
Diagnosing mesothelioma is complex and often involves imaging tests such as chest X-rays or High-Resolution Computerized Tomography (HRCT). A definitive diagnosis is made by examining fluid or tissue samples, typically through a biopsy.
TYPES & SYMPTOMS OF MESOTHELIOMA
There are four main types of mesothelioma: pleural (lungs), peritoneal (abdomen), pericardial (heart), and testicular. Mesothelioma is also classified by cell type – epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic – depending on the affected cells. In its early stages, mesothelioma symptoms are often mild and can resemble those of more common health issues, leading individuals to overlook them or attribute them to another condition. Below are the different types of mesothelioma and their associated symptoms.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for roughly 85% of mesothelioma diagnoses. This most common form of mesothelioma accounts for approximately 2,500 cases a year in the United States. It affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs known as the pleura. It is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers into the lungs.
Symptoms include:
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Fatigue
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Fever
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Trouble swallowing
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Chest or lower back pain
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Dry, painful cough
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Shortness of breath
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Unexplained weight loss
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type of mesothelioma. It accounts for less than 10–15% of mesothelioma diagnoses. This form of mesothelioma is discovered in approximately 450 cases a year in the United States. It occurs in the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum). It is caused by the ingestion of asbestos fibers.
Symptoms Include:
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Abdominal pain and swelling
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Loss of appetite
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Lumps of tissue in the abdomen
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Unexplained weight loss
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Nausea and Vomiting
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Constipation
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that develops in the lining surrounding the heart (the pericardium). This type of mesothelioma accounts for approximately 1% of the newly diagnosed cases per year in the United States, roughly around 30 cases per year.
Symptoms Include:
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Difficulty breathing
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Chest pain
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Heart failure
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Pericardial effusion
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Pulmonary embolism
Testicular Mesothelioma
Testicular mesothelioma is extremely rare, and accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma diagnoses. This asbestos cancer occurs around the lining of the testicles.
Symptoms Include:
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Pain and swelling of the testicles
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A buildup of fluid or a mass in the scrotum
Cell Types
Mesothelioma can also be classified based on the appearance and behavior of the cancerous cells, regardless of where in the body the disease occurs.
The 3 mesothelioma cell types are:
Epithelioid Mesothelioma
Epithelial cells are one of the four basic types of cells in the human body and line the cavities, blood vessels, and organs throughout the body. Once exposed to asbestos these normally healthy cells mutate into cancer cells or epithelioid mesothelioma. The prognosis for epithelioid mesothelioma is more favorable, with more treatment options available, than those with sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma.
Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
Sarcomatoid cells are located in connective tissue such as bone, cartilage, muscle, blood vessels, or lymphoid tissue throughout the body. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the least common of the mesothelioma cell types and is unfortunately the most resilient to cancer treatment. Diagnosis is difficult because these cells can appear healthy even though they may have become malignant after being damaged from exposure to asbestos. The treatment options available for sarcomatoid mesothelioma are limited and the most common approach is palliative care. This extremely aggressive form of cancer is also known as spindle-shaped/spindle-cell mesothelioma, which is based on their appearance.
Biphasic Mesothelioma
Biphasic mesothelioma is a combination of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. Understanding the different types of mesothelioma and which cells have been affected can assist in making important treatment decisions.
The 4 Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer
Stage 1
The earliest stage of mesothelioma and, if discovered during this stage, the patient has the best prognosis and more treatment options available.
Stage 3
In stage 3, Mesothelioma has already metastasized to other parts of the body making it more difficult to treat. Surgery is generally not an option at this stage since the cancer has already spread.
Stage 2
During this stage the mesothelioma has not spread to other parts of the body. The cancer is localized and, therefore, patients have more options for treatment. Patients may elect to have surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.
Stage 4
In the last stage, the mesothelioma has spread throughout the body and affected multiple organs and parts of the body. Patient’s treatment options are extremely limited and typically palliative care is the only course to ease suffering.
