What is Mesothelioma? (Lung Cancer)
That's a question oncologists often hear immediately upon delivering a diagnosis of this disease. The short answer is, mesothelioma is a cancer that is directly traceable to repeated or long-term exposure to asbestos. Usually, though, a longer explanation is needed.
The disease gets its
name because cancerous tumors form in the mesothelium – the lining – of an
internal organ. In the case of mesothelioma, the tumors form in the lining of
the lung, the lining of the abdomen, the lining of heart or the lining of a
testicle.
All four types of the
cancer are aggressive. Cancer cells usually spread rapidly, and the life
expectancy of someone with the disease is between eight and 18 months. Through
clinical trials and experimental therapies, specialists seek more effective
treatments to extend
life expectancy and, they hope, to find a cure.
A primary reason the
survival rates of all types of this disease are so low is that most diagnoses
are made in stage III or stage IV – a direct result of mesothelioma having
mild, often undetectable, symptoms in its early stages of development.
Who
Gets Mesothelioma?
People believed to be in
the high risk category for getting mesothelioma are those who were exposed to
asbestos on a regular basis (six months or more) while on the job. Among the
list of occupations closely linked to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related
diseases are:
- Military veterans (especially the U.S. Navy)
- Construction workers
- Demolition or renovation crews
- Auto mechanics
- Insulators
- Shipyard workers
- Asbestos mine workers or millers
- Boiler workers
- Asbestos manufacturing plant workers
People who remember handling asbestos or asbestos-like materials, or those who recall being exposed to thick clouds of asbestos-containing dust while on the job, are at a higher risk for developing mesothelioma. Recently, rescue workers and cleanup crews involved in the removal of debris from the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks in New York City have reported asbestos-related symptoms and lung complications.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma Resource
Online has
created and developed this site to provide answers and support for people
diagnosed with mesothelioma
cancer, as well as their families and loved ones. Mesothelioma is a rare
form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos and has
long been considered a mystery and incurable. However, over the past two
decades, physicians, scientists and researchers have begun to unravel this
mystery and help people diagnose
mesothelioma in its earlier stages,
while providing more extensive forms of treatment,
vast resources, and general information to make coping and survival
more about optimism rather than uncertainty. Mesothelioma Resource Online is
presented by Seeger Weiss LLP.
Get the Big Picture
View our Mesothelioma
Infograph that shows you what symptoms to be aware of
Mesothelioma
Cancer
Previously, diagnosing
mesothelioma in its early stages had been a difficult, almost impossible task,
because the early
symptoms of this disease resemble those of similar
diseases and sometimes even basic illnesses.
The severity of mesothelioma is defined by four stages, with prognosis becoming bleaker as each stage progresses, so the discovery of symptoms in the first two stages is essential for ensuring a greater mesothelioma life expectancy. Additionally, the difficulty in diagnosing mesothelioma cancer is caused by a long latency period, meaning that it can take decades between the initial exposure to asbestos and development of symptoms. However, if you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and experiences initial symptoms such as chest pain, violent coughing, and fatigue, it is essential that you consult with a physician immediately.
The severity of mesothelioma is defined by four stages, with prognosis becoming bleaker as each stage progresses, so the discovery of symptoms in the first two stages is essential for ensuring a greater mesothelioma life expectancy. Additionally, the difficulty in diagnosing mesothelioma cancer is caused by a long latency period, meaning that it can take decades between the initial exposure to asbestos and development of symptoms. However, if you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and experiences initial symptoms such as chest pain, violent coughing, and fatigue, it is essential that you consult with a physician immediately.
Veterans
and Mesothelioma
During the better part
of the 20th century, the United States Armed Forces used asbestos in the
production of many types of ships,
buildings and vehicles, thus exposing countless soldiers and workers to this
terrible mineral. At its peak, asbestos was used predominantly in factories
during World
War II and many U.S. veterans
suffered from mesothelioma as a result, because the harmful effects of asbestos
were not known until decades later.
Even now, as asbestos use and production has declined significantly, many veterans could still be afflicted, unaware of the early symptoms of mesothelioma cancer.
The Mesothelioma Resource Online offers a comprehensive list of American naval vessels and military ships that were produced using asbestos, as well as a state-by-state directory of Veterans Affairs center and hospitals to assist service men and women who are suffering from mesothelioma.
Even now, as asbestos use and production has declined significantly, many veterans could still be afflicted, unaware of the early symptoms of mesothelioma cancer.
The Mesothelioma Resource Online offers a comprehensive list of American naval vessels and military ships that were produced using asbestos, as well as a state-by-state directory of Veterans Affairs center and hospitals to assist service men and women who are suffering from mesothelioma.
Treatment
of Mesothelioma
Because of mesothelioma’s great latency period, treating mesothelioma is difficult, but there is hope in recent research and clinical trials. Current medical treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, and most patients choose to undergo a combination of these processes in order to increase their life expectancy. But survivors of mesothelioma have shown that treatment goes beyond hospitals, and that prognosis can be better for patients through healthy dieting, regular exercise and a variety of alternative therapies. Additionally, experimental treatments are available to individual patients depending on their stage progression.
Prognosis
The prognosis for
malignant mesothelioma is rarely favorable, which is why early diagnosis is so
incredibly important. Yet as mentioned above, there are great strides being
taken in the medical and scientific communities to ensure that life expectancy
and survival rates continue to climb for patients as researchers continue to
find a cure.
Legal
Options
People suffering from
mesothelioma have almost always been unknowingly exposed to asbestos either in
the workplace or through the use of household items that contain the hazardous
mineral. After diagnosis, medical bills can be overwhelming and once prognosis
is achieved a patient has his family to consider as well. There are legal
options available for mesothelioma victims to help achieve just compensation.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma
is a cancerous (malignant)
tumor that begins in the mesothelium.
The mesothelium is a membrane that lines and protects the lungs, the heart, and
the abdominal cavity. There are three main types of mesothelioma:
- Pleural mesothelioma begins in the pleura (the lining of the lungs). This is the most common type of mesothelioma.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma begins in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity).
- Pericardial mesothelioma begins
in the pericardium (the lining of the heart).
Causes
Most
cases of mesothelioma are because of exposure to asbestos on the job. Other
causes include:
- Genetic susceptibility – Some people are more likely to develop mesothelioma than others
- Exposure to a particular virus – A virus called simian virus 40 (SV 40) has been linked with some cases of mesothelioma
- Exposure to radiation
Symptoms
Most
people with pleural mesothelioma note shortness of breath and chest pain
(especially under the ribs), but other symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain and bloating (with peritoneal mesothelioma)
- A persistent cough
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Anemia
- Abnormalities in blood clotting
Diagnosis
Diagnosing
mesothelioma can be difficult since there are many conditions that cause
similar symptoms. Your physician will first take a careful history, especially
questioning you about your employment history, and then perform a physical
exam. Imaging studies are often done, and may include x-rays of your chest and
abdomen, CT scans,
MRI scans or PET scans.
If your doctor suspects
mesothelioma, she will need to schedule a biopsy. Depending upon the location
of your tumor, she may recommend a thoracoscopy
or video-assisted
thoracoscopy (VAT), a procedure where a tissue sample is taken from the
pleura, or a peritoneoscopy, a similar procedure to obtain tissue from the
abdomen. If the biopsy reveals mesothelioma, further studies are then done to
determine the stage of the cancer (how advanced it is)Stages
Mesothelioma
is divided into 2 primary stages:
- Localized (Stage 1) – With localized mesothelioma, the cancer is confined to the mesothelium – the pleura with pleural mesothelioma, or the peritoneum with peritoneal mesothelioma
- Advanced (Stage 2, 3, and 4) – Mesothelioma is considered advanced if it has spread to the lymph nodes, or other organs including the lungs
Prevention
The
most important thing you can do to prevent mesothelioma is to use appropriate
precautions if you are exposed to asbestos at work. OSHA has
asbestos safety standards for individuals who may be exposed on the job. If
you work with asbestos, it is important to follow these guidelines to minimize
your families exposure as well. Asbestos insulation in homes is usually not a
problem, unless it is damaged or disturbed by remodeling projects. If you may
have asbestos insulation (homes built prior to 1950) make sure to hire a
contractor certified in asbestos management before you begin any home
improvement projects.
Treatment
Depending
on the size and location of your tumor, and if it has spread, treatment options
may include:
- Surgery – Surgery may be considered, especially if the tumor is caught at an early stage. Types of surgery include:
- Pleurectomy – With a pleurectomy, a portion of the pleura is removed
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy – A portion of the pleura is removed, as well as a portion of the pericardium (heart lining), diaphragm (muscle separating the chest and abdomen) and the lung
- Chemotherapy – A combination of a chemotherapy medication and a targeted therapy may improve survival.
- Radiation Therapy – Radiation therapy is occasionally used as a palliative treatment for mesothelioma, a treatment that does not cure cancer, but can make you more comfortable. It may also be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
- Clinical Trials – Several clinical trials are in progress, evaluating new ways to treat mesothelioma.
Living With
Mesothelioma
On
top of the heartbreak a diagnosis of cancer brings, many people with
mesothelioma lack the emotional and psychosocial support that those with other
forms of cancer find readily available. In addition, medico-legal battles
related to asbestos exposure on-the-job can be emotionally draining.
Participating in a support
group, either through your cancer center, community, or online, can help
you wade through the maze of treatment options, and find camaraderie in others
who are living with mesothelioma.
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