Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that is caused by inhaled
asbestos fibers and forms in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart.
Symptoms can include shortness of breath and chest pain. The life expectancy
for most mesothelioma patients is approximately 12 months after diagnosis.
Treatment may improve prognosis and can include surgery, chemotherapy or
radiation.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma appear when tumors spread, grow and
press against the chest wall and the abdominal cavity. Chest pain and shortness
of breath are the most common symptoms.
COMMON MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS
- Dry
coughing
- Shortness
of breath
- Respiratory
complications
- Pain
in the chest or abdomen
- Fever
or night sweats
- Pleural
effusion (fluid around the lungs)
- Fatigue
- Weakness
in the muscles
Diagnosing Mesothelioma
A biopsy is the only mesothelioma test that confirms a
diagnosis. Doctors may use additional diagnostic procedures. An early
mesothelioma diagnosis may increase a patient’s eligibility for all treatment
options.
Imaging Scans
Most people initially undergo a basic chest X-ray to check
for any abnormalities. If an abnormal growth or fluid around the lung is
detected, doctors will recommend a more detailed imaging scan such as a PET
scan, CT scan or MRI.
Biopsies
If cancer is suspected, doctors will recommend taking a
sample of tissue, also knowns as a biopsy. Doctors use this tissue sample to
definitively confirm the presence of malignant mesothelioma cells.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be used but do not confirm the presence of
mesothelioma. Researchers are evaluating if blood tests can aid in the early
diagnosis of at-risk former asbestos workers.
Staging
Doctors use at least five staging systems to stage pleural
mesothelioma. The IMIG staging system is preferred. No universal staging system
exists for the other mesothelioma types.
Stages of Mesothelioma
The stages of mesothelioma range
from 1 to 4 and are based on tumor size and location.
Early-stage mesothelioma is usually more
confined to one site, while late-stage mesothelioma shows tumors spreading beyond
the chest or abdominal cavity. Staging is an important part of determining
treatment.
Stage 1
The cancer is localized. Surgery is most
effective at this stage. Survival rate is higher. A patient’s median life
expectancy at stage 1 is 22.2 months.
Stage 2
Tumors have spread from the original
location and moved into adjacent structures. Surgery is still an option. Median
life expectancy at stage 2 is 20 months.
Stage 3
Cancer has spread into the regional lymph
nodes. Surgery is an option in select circumstances. The patient’s median life
expectancy at stage 3 is 17.9 months.
Stage 4
Tumors have spread into distant organs.
Chemotherapy and immunotherapy ease symptoms. Median life expectancy at stage 4
is 14.9 months.
Mesothelioma Causes
Asbestos exposure
is the primary cause of mesothelioma. People exposed to asbestos at home, work
or in the military have a higher risk of developing the disease.
HOW MESOTHELIOMA DEVELOPS
The asbestos fibers become lodged in
the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart.
Embedded fibers damage mesothelial
cells and cause inflammation.
Over time, tumors form on the damaged mesothelium, leading to mesothelioma.
People Most at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma
People most at risk of developing mesothelioma handled asbestos for a prolonged period of time or were exposed to large amounts of asbestos as part of their career.
Secondhand exposure is also common, especially among the spouses and children of people who worked with asbestos.
Blue-Collar Workers
Firefighters, construction workers, power plant workers, shipyard workers and others are among these types of workers.Veterans
U.S. Navy veterans are most at risk. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard veterans also face health risks.Family Members
Spouses, children and others who lived with a person who was regularly exposed to asbestos fibers are at risk
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