Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of thin tissues surrounding various internal organs known as the mesothelium. The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Airborne asbestos fibers can enter the body through inhalation or ingestion and then lodge themselves in the mesothelium, leading to chronic inflammation and DNA damage, eventually causing cancer.
This page offers an overview on the various types of mesothelioma, the biological mechanisms through which asbestos exposure leads to this disease, and the distinctive characteristics of each type.
Mesothelioma occurs in several different areas of the body. The most common location affected is the lining around the lungs, known as the pleura. Another significant area that can be impacted is the lining of the abdominal cavity, referred to as the peritoneum. Additionally, mesothelioma can also develop in the tissues surrounding the heart, known as the pericardium, and in the lining around the testicles, which is known as the tunica vaginalis. Each of these locations presents unique challenges and symptoms associated with the disease.
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Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer that targets the lung lining and the chest wall. It accounts for about 80% to 90% of all mesothelioma cases. Symptoms often include chest pain, dry cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Asbestos fibers can sit on the lining of the lungs, causing scarring that can eventually result in tumor development. To diagnose this condition, healthcare providers usually rely on imaging tests and biopsies. Treatment approaches may encompass chemotherapy, surgical interventions, and radiation therapy.
Pleural mesothelioma is staged from one to four, with stage one being the least advanced and stage four indicating extensive spread to other organs. At stage one, the cancer is confined to the pleura, while in stage four, it may affect the bones, liver, diaphragm, heart, and central nervous system. Although it is not a curable cancer, the survival rates have increased with aggressive treatment. Almost 2,500 people are diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma every year.
In this form of mesothelioma, cancer impacts the peritoneum, which lines the abdominal cavity. Asbestos fibers may be inhaled or ingested, eventually getting trapped in the peritoneal lining. This condition often leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, and weight loss.
Approximately 10% to 15% of mesothelioma cases are peritoneal. The mechanism by which asbestos fibers lead to this form of cancer involves irritation and inflammation of the peritoneum, resulting in cellular damage and tumor growth.
Cancer staging indicates the disease's advancement, with the peritoneal cancer index (PCI) being the most commonly used system for peritoneal mesothelioma. The PCI divides the abdomen into 13 sections, assigning a score of 0- 3 for each, with higher scores indicating more extensive cancer. The total score determines the stage: Stage 1 (PCI 1-10) is the least advanced, while Stage 4 (PCI 31-39) is the most advanced.
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In addition to classifying mesothelioma by the location in the body, the disease also has several subtypes, most commonly epithelioid and sarcomatoid.
This subtype of mesothelioma is characterized by tumors arising from epithelial cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma constitutes about 50% to 70% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. These cells line various internal structures and cavities.
Asbestos exposure can cause mutations in epithelial cells, which leads to cancerous growth. Common symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and swelling, and fluid buildup around the abdomen or lungs, but severe symptoms often do not manifest until later stages. Epithelioid mesothelioma generally has a better prognosis than other cell types because these cells are more responsive to treatment.
This is a rare type of malignant mesothelioma that develops primarily in the pleura (lung lining) but can rarely appear in other forms of mesothelioma, such as peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma. Tumors of this cell type are usually treatment-resistant and spread fast to other areas. Symptoms of sarcomatoid mesothelioma can take 10 to 50 years to develop, with early signs including coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can arise, such as persistent coughing, coughing up blood, hoarseness, weight loss, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. Treatment options typically include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy; however, outcomes are generally poorer compared to other mesothelioma types.
After documenting asbestos exposure and asbestos-related medical history, legal counsel conduct research to identify the responsible parties. This may include employers, manufacturers of asbestos-containing products, or other entities liable for ensuring a safe work environment.
Extensive research shows that asbestos exposure is a major cause of mesothelioma. The tiny asbestos fibers can easily be swallowed or inhaled, getting stuck in the protective lining of the lungs & abdomen, known as the mesothelium.
When these fibers settle in the tissue, they cause ongoing inflammation and irritation. Over time, this chronic irritation can damage the DNA in mesothelial cells, eventually leading to the formation of mesothelioma tumors.
Studies suggest that about 8% to 13% of people exposed to asbestos for long periods are at risk of developing this cancer. Those who have worked with or around asbestos, such as certain workers and military personnel, are especially vulnerable. Even brief exposure can increase the risk.
Additionally, family members can be affected through secondhand exposure if asbestos fibers cling to clothing and gear. There are also links between talc contaminated with asbestos and mesothelioma cases. While genetics may play a role, asbestos exposure remains the biggest risk factor for this disease.
Unfortunately, there is currently no proven cure for mesothelioma. However, several treatment options can help manage the disease and improve a patient's quality of life. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. The treatment plan will depend on the stage of the cancer, the patient's health, the location of the tumor, and various other factors.
In addition to medical treatments, adopting healthy lifestyle choices can also help improve the quality of life for mesothelioma patients. This includes:
Anyone who worked at, or lived with someone who worked at, these facilities could have been exposed to asbestos, which could have taken decades to result in cancer.
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