One kind of cancer that mainly starts in the tissues around your lungs is mesothelioma. It is uncommon yet violent. Until it has spread to other parts of your body, it could go undetected.

Your heart and lungs are among the major organs that include mesothelium, which is a protective tissue. The term mesothelioma or malignant mesothelioma refers to cancer that affects these tissues. The pleural layer of the lungs is where it usually starts.

This article concentrates on mesothelioma of the lungs, though it can arise in other parts of the body as well.

In general, mesothelioma is uncommon. According to the American Lung Association, 3,000 new cases are reported in the US annually. Since the 1990s, the number of new cases has decreased, possibly as a result of less asbestos exposure at work.

However, mesothelioma remains a cancer that spreads aggressively and may not show any signs until it has spread to other parts of the body. This emphasizes how crucial early diagnosis and therapy are.

This page examines mesothelioma in greater detail, covering its etiology, potential symptoms, and available treatments.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Most typically, mesothelioma symptoms appear after the cancer has metastasized, or spread, to other parts of your body or adjacent areas.

The location of the malignancy may also affect the kinds of symptoms you encounter. For instance, respiratory issues may result from pleural mesothelioma.

In general, this malignancy may present with the following symptoms:

• chronic cough
• breathing difficulties
• pain underneath your ribs
• swelling or visible lumps in your abdominal area
• constipation, nausea, and other gastrointestinal complaints
• fatigue
• fever
• unintentional weight loss
• facial or arm swelling

Is mesothelioma a fast-growing cancer?

Even though mesothelioma is aggressive, it is not seen as a cancer that grows quickly. The diagnosis of this cancer might not come for 20 to 40 years. Seventy-two is the average age at diagnosis.

What causes mesothelioma, and who’s at risk?

Although the precise etiology of mesothelioma is unknown, asbestos exposure is thought to be the biggest risk factor. Indeed, an estimated 80% of mesothelioma patients have had prior asbestos exposure.

The following are a few of the industries most frequently associated with asbestos exposure:

• mining
• auto manufacturing
• railroad repair
• shipbuilding
• insulation or cement associated with construction or repair
• paper milling
• ceramics

Your lungs may become irritated and inflamed after breathing in asbestos. Cancerous cells may eventually arise as a result of further damage. Other parts of the body afflicted by this malignancy may experience similar consequences from ingesting asbestos particles.

You may therefore be at a higher risk of getting this cancer in the future if you have already been exposed to asbestos at work or your home.

Even though asbestos has been prohibited for almost 30 years, prior exposure can still raise your chance of developing cancer.

However, it’s crucial to understand that mesothelioma does not always result from asbestos exposure. The majority of asbestos exposure survivors do not get this malignancy.

The following are other recognized risk factors for mesothelioma:

• genetic mutations
• increased age
• a history of radiation exposure, such as those used for cancer treatments

How do doctors diagnose mesothelioma?

A doctor will initially ask you about your symptoms and any known history of asbestos exposure to diagnose mesothelioma. After that, they will order blood work and conduct a physical examination.

One of the most important diagnostic procedures for a mesothelioma diagnosis is imaging testing.

Tumors, aberrant plaques, and pleural effusions—a collection of fluid between the lungs and the chest wall—can all be seen on a chest X-ray. Images of additional body parts that can be impacted by this cancer can be obtained with a CT scan.

A physician may prescribe ultrasonography imaging with fine needle aspiration if they confirm the existence of pleural effusion. The main reason for doing this is to rule out other potential reasons for fluid accumulation, like heart failure.

The last and subsequent stage in diagnosing mesothelioma is a biopsy. A doctor uses guided imaging tests, including ultrasounds, to collect a little sample of aberrant tissue, which is then sent to a lab for additional examination.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma also includes the exclusion of lung cancer. Although the symptoms of these two cancer kinds are similar, a biopsy and imaging tests can help a doctor identify which one you have.

To find out how far the cancer has progressed, your doctor might want to perform more imaging tests if they identify mesothelioma. A PET scan is typically used for this, along with potential tissue samples.

What are the treatment options for mesothelioma?

Although there is currently no cure for mesothelioma, treatment may help you live longer.

For mesothelioma, a physician may suggest one or more of the following therapies:

• chemotherapy
• immunotherapy
• radiation therapy
• surgery
• targeted therapies

What’s the outlook for someone with mesothelioma?

The malignancy mesothelioma is aggressive. Treatment must begin early. The median survival rate, according to researchers, is one year. Additionally, the cancer is believed to have a high propensity to return.

Your age, response to treatment, and general health all affect the precise survival rates. The American Cancer Society reports that mesothelioma has an average 5-year relative survival rate of 12%.

When mesothelioma is detected at its earliest, localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is higher at 24%.

It’s also critical to note that these figures represent the most recent data collected from individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma between 2012 and 2018. As a result, diagnostic and therapeutic technologies are constantly developing and have the potential to improve the general outlook.

Takeaway

The disease known as mesothelioma typically affects the linings of your lungs. Even though mesothelioma is becoming less common, it is still a dangerous and violent illness. People with this cancer may have a better overall prognosis if they receive prompt diagnosis and treatment.

It’s critical to consult a physician immediately if you or a loved one is exhibiting any symptoms that could indicate mesothelioma.

If you have a known history of asbestos exposure, you could also think about consulting a physician so they can advise you on the best course of action.