Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos. It most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs or the abdomen. The average life expectancy is 18 – 31 months after diagnosis, but prognosis may improve with treatment. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath and general fatigue.
Medical advisor Dr. F. Perry Wilson answers the question “What is mesothelioma?”
Key Facts
Approximate New
Cases per Year: 3,000
Cases per Year: 3,000
People at Risk of
Developing Mesothelioma: 20 million
Developing Mesothelioma: 20 million
Of All Mesothelioma Cases Pleural Is Most Common:
80 – 90%
Median Age at Mesothelioma Diagnosis:
74 years
01. Symptoms & Causes
间皮瘤的症状是什么?万博专业版
Mesothelioma symptoms can take 10 – 50 years to emerge after initialexposure to asbestos。Symptoms are often mistaken for less serious illnesses, which can complicate early diagnosis. When symptoms present, patients should seek medical attention, as early detection may improve mesothelioma prognosis.
Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma
- Chest pain or abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid buildup
- Fatigue
- Fever and night sweats
- Weight loss
Causes of Mesothelioma
Asbestosis the only definitive cause of mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they may become embedded in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Over time, the fibers cause inflammation and scarring. This irritation can eventually lead to the development of mesothelioma tumors.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma?
Any amount of asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. However, certain occupations may experience higher rates of exposure. Loved ones of these workers also face a higher risk because of secondhand exposure.
At-Risk Occupations
Workers may be exposed to asbestos on the job. High-risk occupations include shipyard workers, machinists and mechanics.
Secondhand Exposure
Asbestos may be brought home on workers’ hair, skin and clothing, exposing loved ones to the fibers.
Veterans
Asbestos was widely used throughout the military exposing Navy, Army and Air Force veterans, among others.
02. Types
Types of Mesothelioma
There are four main types of mesothelioma based on tumor location. The most common type is malignant pleural mesothelioma. The mesothelioma tumors are made up of different cell types. The three most common mesothelioma cell types include上皮样的,sarcomatoidandbiphasic。Symptoms, prognosis and treatment options vary depending on mesothelioma type and cell type.
Pleural Mesothelioma
- Develops in the lining of the lungs.
- Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of the disease,accounting for 80 – 90% of all diagnoses.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Develops in the lining of the abdomen.
- 我t is the second most common form of the disease, accounting for about 15 – 20% of all diagnoses.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
- Develops in the lining of the heart.
- Pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of the disease, accounting for only 1 – 2% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
We offer assistance to those navigating mesothelioma treatment decisions and medical-related financial difficulties. Click the links to learn more about financial support options, assistance for veterans and top mesothelioma doctors.
03. Diagnosis
Diagnosing Mesothelioma
After recognizing symptoms, doctors will perform a variety of tests and procedures to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. Biopsies are the only way to definitively diagnose mesothelioma Other diagnostic tools may help determine location and staging. Once a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will classify the disease into one of four stages.Mesothelioma stagingwill help determine prognosis and treatment options.
Mesothelioma Stages
At stage 1 or 2, patients have the most treatment options. By stages 3 and 4, treatment options are generally more limited, as the cancer has spread.
04. Prognosis
Mesothelioma Prognosis
Staging, tumor location and cell type help determine a patient’s mesothelioma prognosis. Due to these and other factors, prognosis will vary depending on the individual. When discussing a patient’s prognosis, mesothelioma doctors may also mention life expectancy and survival rates as related terms. Average life expectancy is 18 – 31 months.
DEFINING TERMS
Prognosis
An estimate of how an individual’s disease is expected to progress and develop, along with the likelihood of survival.
Life Expectancy
How long a patient can expect to survive with or without undergoing treatment. This may change with treatment.
Survival Rate
A statistic (percentage or ratio) indicating how many people live a certain amount of time after diagnosis.
Mesothelioma Survivors
一些病人可以比他们的预后by months or years. Heather Von St. James was given 15 months to live at the time of diagnosis. Today, she is a survivor of more than 15 years.
05. Treatment
Mesothelioma Treatment
Standard treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The most common option is a multimodal approach, which combines two or more standard treatment options. Combining treatments has been shown to increase patient survival times. Mesothelioma doctors also continue to research new treatments through clinical trials.
Surgery
Aggressive surgeriesare often used for early-stage cancer. In the later stages, surgery may be used palliatively.
Chemotherapy
For mesothelioma patients, the standard first-linechemotherapy treatmentis cisplatin or carboplatin with pemetrexed.
Radiation
There are two types ofradiation for mesothelioma: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
New Therapies
New therapies are being tested through clinical trials.Experimental therapies for mesotheliomainclude immunotherapy and gene therapy.
FINDING MESOTHELIOMA TREATMENT
Many doctors do not have experience treating mesothelioma because of its rarity. Patients should seek care from a doctor who specializes in mesothelioma. With specialized care, doctors can develop personalized treatment plans for patients that may extend survival.
06. Support
Support Throughout the
Mesothelioma Journey
Finding community with other patients, survivors and people who understand the intricacies of a rare cancer like mesothelioma may ease the heavy burden. There are numerous ways to get involved within the mesothelioma community to show support. Below are ways to engage with others who understand mesothelioma diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
Common Questions About Mesothelioma
-
我s mesothelioma treatable?
- Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, there aretreatment optionsavailable, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
-
What are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma?
- Mesothelioma symptomsvary based on type, but commonly include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain or abdominal pain and buildup of fluid.
-
What is the main cause of mesothelioma?
- The only known cause of malignant mesothelioma isexposure to asbestos。
-
我s mesothelioma a form of cancer?
- Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer. There are differenttypes of mesothelioma, including pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.
-
What type of cancer is mesothelioma?
- Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium, or thin linings covering organs, such as the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma).
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Written by
Linda MolinariEditor in Chief
Linda Molinari has more than 15 years of experience as a writer and advocate for mesothelioma patients and a ban on asbestos.
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James Stevenson, M.D.Thoracic Medical Oncologist
Dr. James Stevenson is an experienced medical oncologist specializing in mesothelioma and lung cancer treatment, currently practicing at the Cleveland Clinic.
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