If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what lies ahead. Since this cancer type is rare and aggressive, it is even more challenging to navigate.
However, understanding the disease is the first step toward determining the proper treatment and support. Here is what you need to know about mesothelioma to understand your or your loved one’s condition better.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the mesothelium, a protective lining surrounding the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testicles. There are different types of Mesothelioma based on the affected area. They include:
- Pleural, which affects the lungs and makes up 80% of all cases
- Peritoneal, affecting the abdomen
- Pericardia, which occurs in the heart
- Testicular, affecting the testicles
Mesothelioma can further be classified by cell type. The different types of mesothelioma based on cell type include epithlial mesothelioma, sarcomatoid mesothelioma, and biphasic mesothelioma.
Causes of Mesothelioma
The primary cause of mesothelioma is prolonged asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing industries. When you ingest or inhale asbestos fibers, they accumulate in the body tissues, leading to inflammation and, over time, cancer.
The symptoms of mesothelioma do not become apparent upon exposure. This means it could take decades before detection. While anyone is at risk of contracting mesothelioma, construction workers, shipyard personnel, factory and manufacturing employees, miners, firefighters, and auto mechanics are at higher risk of suffering from this disease.
Common Symptoms and Diagnosis
Mesothelioma does not cause any symptoms in its early stages. You only develop mesothelioma symptoms once the tumor has grown enough to impact the tissues and organs around it. Below are common signs of mesothelioma:
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- General body weakness
- Malaise (general feeling of being unwell)
- Unintended weight loss
With that being said, you may experience different symptoms based on the type of mesothelioma you are suffering from. Your doctor may run X-rays, CT scans, Lung function tests, Blood tests, and Biopsy to confirm mesothelioma diagnosis.
Management and Treatment
If your doctor confirms that you are suffering from mesothelioma, it is best to start treatment immediately to improve your chances of slowing the disease’s progression and managing symptoms effectively. While there is no definitive cure, early intervention can significantly extend life expectancy and enhance quality of life. Treatment options depend on the stage of the disease, cell type, and overall health. The most common approaches include:
- Surgery: Removes tumors in early-stage cases.
- Chemotherapy: Helps shrink cancer cells and slow their spread.
- Radiation therapy: Targets and destroys cancerous cells.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer
- Palliative Care: Focuses on symptom relief and improving comfort.
Consult your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action based on your diagnosis.
Endnote
While mesothelioma is a serious and fatal disease, understanding its causes, types, symptoms, and treatment options is critical. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos, seeking medical advice and regular screening can help detect the disease early to improve outcomes.
