Mesothelioma Information

Below you will find a list of questions frequently asked by mesothelioma patients and their loved ones.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a protective membrane that lines three body cavities: the thoracic cavity (pleura), abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and the heart sac (pericardium).

What are the different types of mesothelioma?

The four different types of mesothelioma are named for the area of the body they affect. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of the cancer, develops in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneal lining of the abdominal cavity. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the membrane surrounding the heart, known as the pericardium. Testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis, the lining around the testicles.

Mesothelioma is caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring toxic mineral that was commonly used throughout the 20th century because of its natural resistance to heat and fire. The mineral was often used in insulation and asbestos fibers were frequently mixed with cement and woven into fabrics. Asbestos exposure can result in the development of serious illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

How does mesothelioma develop?

The cancer develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested into the body. Once in the body, the fibers can become lodged in organs or cavities, causing inflammation or infection and cellular damage. Overtime, cancerous cells begin to divide uncontrollably, causing the membranes in the affected location to thicken. Fluid begins to build up in the spaces between membrane layers and tumors begin to form, causing impaired bodily function.

Generally a patient will not demonstrate symptoms of mesothelioma until 20 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. Symptoms often resemble other illnesses such as influenza and pneumonia, which can make diagnosis difficult. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may experience persistent raspy cough, difficulty breathing and swallowing, night sweats, fatigue and chest pain. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include diarrhea or constipation, nausea, fever, swelling or pain in the abdomen and anemia. Pericardial mesothelioma patients may experience chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, fever and fatigue. The only known symptom of testicular mesothelioma is the appearance of testicular lumps.

A mesothelioma diagnosis generally begins with a review of a patient’s medical history, followed by a physical examination. Typically, a doctor will then recommend further testing which often begins with an x-ray to pinpoint the exact location of mesothelioma and discover whether or not it has spread to other areas of the body. Additional imaging tests, including a CT scan, PET scan or MRI may also be recommended for a more thorough image of the cancer. A doctor may then request a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure involving the collection of small fluid samples that are analyzed by a pathologist for the presence of cancerous cells.

What is the typical prognosis for a patient with mesothelioma?

Many factors influence a mesothelioma patient’s prognosis, or the probable course and outcome of a disease’s influence on the body. Since a mesothelioma diagnosis often occurs once the cancer has progressed to later stages of development, prognosis is typically poor. However if a patient is diagnosed early or elects to undergo treatment to combat the cancer, their prognosis may improve. Factors that may influence prognosis include: the type of mesothelioma, size of the tumor, location of the tumor and whether it may be surgically removed, age of the patient and the stage of a patient’s mesothelioma at the time of diagnosis.

Is there a cure for mesothelioma?

While a cure for mesothelioma does not currently exist, extensive studies and clinical trials are conducted by cancer specialists and doctors who work towards discovering a cure every day. A cure for mesothelioma has not yet been developed, but treatment options are available to patients with mesothelioma.

What treatment options are available to mesothelioma patients?

Several treatment options are available for patients with mesothelioma. The most common forms of treatment utilized by patients include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Surgery may be used to remove affected areas or to provide relief from mesothelioma symptoms. Chemotherapy uses medication to target and kill cancerous cells. Radiation uses ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and control the growth of new cancerous cells.  Patients will typically undergo several different treatment options to combat the cancer.

Many patients also wish to participate in a clinical trial, organized to test up-and-coming treatment options. Treatments such as photodynamic therapy, gene therapy and immunotherapy have demonstrated positive results in clinical trials.

Alternative therapies such as acupuncture and massage have also been used by mesothelioma patients to improve the quality of life.

How can I learn more about mesothelioma?

Asbestos.com offers a complimentary comprehensive packet to mesothelioma patients and their loved ones who wish to learn more about the cancer, treatment options, top doctors and more. Please click here to receive your copy.