Mesothelioma Overview | Symptoms, Causes, Treatment Options (2024)

What Else Causes Mesothelioma?

Asbestos is the number one cause of mesothelioma, but other factors may contribute. In rare cases, a patient may receive a mesothelioma diagnosis with no known exposure to asbestos. Some of the other potential causes or contributing factors include:

• Genetics and family history
• Exposure to radiation from past cancer treatment
• The SV40 virus
• Exposure to a mineral similar to asbestos, called erionite

What Are the Types of Malignant Mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer of the cells of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin, double layer of tissue lining the chest cavity, abdominal cavity, and heart.[4]

• Pleural mesotheliomais the most common type. It develops in the pleural tissue around the lungs.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma, which develops in the abdomen, is less common.
• One of the rarest types occurs in the tissue around the heart and is calledpericardial mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma

• More than three-quarters of cases of mesothelioma are pleural.[5]
• Exposure to asbestos is usually through inhalation of the fibers into the airways.
• Inhaled asbestos fibers lodge in the pleural tissue and cause damage.
• Symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pains, coughing, and shortness of breath.

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Pericardial Mesothelioma

• This extremely rare form of mesothelioma accounts for just 1% of all cases.
• The primary tumor develops in the pericardium around the heart.
• Treating a cancer so close to the heart is extremely difficult.
• Symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, fatigue, and coughing.

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Peritoneal Mesothelioma

• Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for less than 20% of all cases.[5]
• It occurs in the peritoneum in the abdominal cavity.
• Symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling or tenderness, and constipation or diarrhea.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma may be misdiagnosed as colitis or irritable bowel syndrome.

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Mesothelioma types can also be organized by the kind of cells that make up the tumor.[6]

• Epithelioid: This is the most common type and has the best prognosis and life expectancy.
• Sarcomatoid: Less common and more aggressive than the epithelioid type, these cells grow and spread rapidly. The prognosis is worse.
• Biphasic or Mixed: This type is a mix of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells.

What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Most patients with mesothelioma experience no symptoms or mild symptoms for many years.[2] The early symptoms are similar to those of more common illnesses.

Only when mesothelioma tumors grow larger and begin to spread do symptoms worsen.[4]

The later stages of mesothelioma cause symptoms more typical of other types of cancer: weight loss, fatigue, fever, and persistent pain, swelling, or feelings of fullness in peritoneal mesothelioma.

How Is Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Physical Examination

The first step is a physical examination, usually by a patient’s regular physician. This helps rule out more common conditions.

A doctor examines the patient and tests for certain conditions while also taking a medical history.

In addition to characteristic symptoms, it is important to discuss the possibility of past asbestos exposure.

Imaging Scans

Next, patients undergo one or more imaging scans.[7] An X-ray can rule out pneumonia and other non-cancerous lung diseases.

MRIs and CT scans provide a more detailed look at soft tissues. These scans can help doctors find areas of abnormal tissue that may be cancerous.

Biopsy

If an image shows abnormal tissue that could be malignant, the next step is a biopsy to determine if the tissue is malignant. [7]

To perform a biopsy, a doctor takes a sample of cells from the area of abnormal tissue. A pathologist examines the cells under a microscope to look for signs of malignancy and to identify the cancer type.

There are a few types of biopsies:[8]

• A fluid biopsy removes fluid from between the pleural or peritoneal tissue layers. This is not the most definitive way to diagnose cancer.
• A needle biopsy is more accurate. Doctors insert a long needle into the area to remove a small sample of tissue.
• If the needle sample is inconclusive or the abnormal tissue is too difficult to reach, doctors may need to perform a surgical biopsy to remove tissue and cells.

Is There a Cure for Mesothelioma?

There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, but this doesn’t mean people don’t survive it. Researchers and specialists continue to find better ways to manage the disease, giving patients longer life expectancy and greater quality of life.

No single treatment cures mesothelioma, but some patients achieve remission with the right combination of therapies and other factors. Multimodal treatment in early-stage patients provides the best chance for remission.

Emerging and innovative treatments like gene therapy, immunotherapy, vaccine therapy, and others are changing the game for mesothelioma patients, even if none represent a definitive cure.

What Is the Prognosis for Mesothelioma Patients?

A patient’s prognosis depends on the average life expectancy for each stage of the cancer. Typical life expectancy by stage is based on past patients.[11]

Other factors influence prognosis:[8]

• Patients with early-stage mesothelioma have a better prognosis than those in the later stages.
• The type of mesothelioma, by cell and location, impacts prognosis. Those with peritoneal disease generally have better survival rates than pleural mesothelioma, for instance.
• Age and overall health affect outcomes. Younger, healthier patients have a better prognosis.
• When surgery is still a treatment option, patients who choose a more aggressive procedure generally have a better prognosis.

How Do I Find the Best Doctor?

See your general practitioner first to rule out more common illnesses. Don’t be afraid to get a second opinion if you feel your doctor is not taking your concerns seriously, especially if you know you have been exposed to asbestos.

If you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis, find a specialist as soon as possible. This is a rare type of cancer that even many oncologists have never encountered. A mesothelioma specialist can provide the best care and treatment options as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

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How Do I Find the Best Treatment Facility?

Many specialists in mesothelioma work as part of multi-disciplinary teams at cancer treatment centers. These facilities include units or departments with teams that focus entirely on mesothelioma diagnosis, treatment, and research.

A good place to start your search is at the National Cancer Institute (NCI).[12] The NCI lists several facilities throughout the country as Designated Cancer Centers. Several of these employ mesothelioma specialists.

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Center Near You

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What Are My Options to Pay for Mesothelioma Treatment?

Treatment costs for mesothelioma skyrocket quickly. Take advantage of any resources available, including legal actions for compensation.

If your health insurance coverage is limited, consider other resources:

• Funding from nonprofit advocacy groups and charities
• Disability or workers’ compensation insurance
• Veterans benefits
• Lawsuits against companiesthat made asbestos products
• Claims to trust funds set up by companies that exposed workers

Learn More About Trust Funds

Getting Benefits for Veterans with Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma patients who experienced asbestos exposure while serving in the United States military may receive compensation and free healthcare.[15]

Veterans are at the greatest risk of developing mesotheliomabecause of the heavy use of asbestos in barracks, equipment, vehicles, and ships.

Asbestos use in the military peaked between 1935 and 1975. The U.S. Navy used more asbestos than any other branch.[16]

Applying for VA benefits can be complicated and confusing. Rely on an experienced attorney for guidance. You may also be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of the asbestos-containing materials you used during your time in the military.

Locate Leading Asbestos Attorneys in Your Area

Can’t Afford a Lawyer?

Most people undergoing expensive mesothelioma treatments aren’t able to pay attorney fees. This is why reputable, experienced lawyers in asbestos cases never charge anything up front.

They work on a contingency basis. This means that you pay nothing at all until your lawyer wins your case. Your lawyer then takes an agreed-upon percentage of your compensation.

Be sure to do your research on fees before retaining legal help. Lawyer fees vary.

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How Do You Get Mesothelioma Cancer?

The leading risk factor for developing mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. For most people this occurred in the workplace.Not everyone exposed to asbestos develops this cancer, though. Other risk factors involved include family history and genetics and past radiation treatments.

What Are the Signs of Mesothelioma?

The signs of mesothelioma depend on the type and stage. Pleural mesothelioma–the most common form of mesothelioma–causes chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, lumps under the skin on the chest, and weight loss.Peritoneal mesothelioma causes abdominal pain and swelling, weight loss, and nausea.Pericardial mesothelioma causes chest pain and breathing difficulties.The very rare testicular mesothelioma usually causes only a lump or swelling.

Is Mesothelioma Always Fatal?

Mesothelioma is usually fatal and is considered incurable. However, prognosis varies widely depending on individual factors.These include age, overall health, stage of cancer, and other factors. Treatment can extend life expectancy for many and also manage symptoms.

What is the Life Expectancy of a Person with Mesothelioma?

The median life expectancy for all patients with all types of mesothelioma combined is less than a year. Patients with the epithelial cell type have a longer life expectancy, as do those diagnosed in early stages, although early diagnosis is rare. Aggressive treatment also extends survival time for patients who qualify.

What Test Shows Mesothelioma?

There is no single test to diagnose mesothelioma. Patients with symptoms will first undergo imaging scans, which then direct biopsies to remove tissue samples. Pathologists look at the cells in those samples to identify malignancies and cell types.There are some blood tests that can show markers for mesothelioma, but these alone are not adequate for a definite diagnosis.

Who is Most at Risk for Mesothelioma?

Asbestos exposure is the number one risk factor for mesothelioma. The longer the duration of exposure, the bigger the risk. Most people who have experienced significant exposure worked around asbestos or lived with someone who did.Some of the careers most likely to have caused exposure include construction workers and those in related jobs, military veterans, auto mechanics, shipyard workers, refinery and power generation workers, boilermakers, railroad workers, steel workers, and many other workers in industrial and manufacturing settings. Those at most risk today are workers doing renovations and demolitions in older buildings with asbestos materials.

How Long Does it Take for Mesothelioma to Develop?

Mesothelioma takes a long time to develop. The period between first exposure to asbestos and diagnosis of mesothelioma is known as the latency period. Latency can be anywhere from 20 to 70 years. It is most often between 20 and 40 years.

Mary Ellen Ellis has been the head writer for Mesothelioma.net since 2016. With hundreds of mesothelioma and asbestos articles to her credit, she is one of the most experienced writers on these topics. Her degrees and background in science and education help her explain complicated medical topics for a wider audience. Mary Ellen takes pride in providing her readers with the critical information they need following a diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness.

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Luis Argote-Greene is an internationally recognized thoracic surgeon. He has trained and worked with some of the most prominently known thoracic surgeons in the United States and Mexico, including pioneering mesothelioma surgeon Dr. David Sugarbaker. He works in the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Cleveland Clinic – Rosner Family Health and Wellness Center. His areas of interest and expertise are mesothelioma, mediastinal tumors, thoracic malignancies, lung cancer, lung transplantation, esophageal cancer, experimental surgery, and lung volume reduction. Dr. Argote-Greene has also done pioneering work with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), as well as robotic assisted minimally invasive surgery. He has taught the procedures to other surgeons both nationally and internationally.

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