Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
This cancer develops in the mesothelium. It often emerges through asbestos exposure, a harmful mineral used in building materials and other products in the past. The disease affects the protective layers of organs, especially the lungs and abdomen. Due to its latency period, symptoms can manifest themselves years after exposure occurs. This makes it challenging to diagnose it earlier. Here’s a breakdown of the main types, symptoms, causes, and treatments available.
Types
There are two main types: pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. The more common form, pleural mesothelioma, occurs in the pleura, which is the membrane surrounding the lungs. It’s the most prevalent type of the disease, accounting for around 70% to 79% of all cases; it is primarily linked to inhaling asbestos fibers.
Other variations include mesothelioma affecting the lining and pericardial mesothelioma targeting the heart’s outer lining. There are also rare forms, like testicular mesothelioma, that affect the lining of the testicles, which have their own distinct symptoms and treatment difficulties to address early on for effective management of the disease at different stages.
Symptoms
Although signs depend upon the tumor’s location, several symptoms occur across all types. For pleural mesothelioma, some of the symptoms include:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Persistent cough
Unusual weight loss
Fatigue
Abdominal pain, bloating, and disturbance in digestion are some ways tumefaction in peritoneal mesothelioma presents itself, while palpitations in the heart and unease in the chest area are symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma. Since there is a generalization of symptoms in all types of mesothelioma, diagnosis of most of them presents relatively late, reducing the number of options for treatment.
Causes
It is primarily a type of cancer that develops after asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed. Asbestos refers to a common mineral used in many aspects of construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. When it emits fibers, these could be inhaled or swallowed to settle in the linings of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. The fiber begins to cause inflammation; over time, it scars. This, eventually leads to mesothelioma.
Workers in the high-hazard construction, shipbuilding, and insulation industries are most at risk from asbestos exposure. However, it is not only these individuals who can be exposed to this lethal product. Even family members can be exposed due to secondary exposure.
Treatment Options
The disease isn’t curable, but there are remedies to help manage it. The mesothelioma treatment choice will depend on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. The tumors may be removed surgically, though surgery alone does not remove all the disease cells. It is usually prescribed in addition to other treatments. Sometimes, chemotherapy can be given after surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells. On the other hand, radiation therapy helps with shrinking tumors by targeting small areas.
With more research, there are also new therapies, including immunotherapy. It builds up immunity in one’s body to counteract the emergence of cancerous cells, while in targeted therapy, treatment acts particularly on hindering some molecules that help in tumor growth. You may want to also consider clinical trials. In your treatment journey ensures to speak with family support groups to get the support you need to navigate this challenging time.
Endnote
Mesothelioma is manageable and doesn’t have to ruin one’s quality of life. You need a vast knowledge about it, from the types, causes, and suitable treatment options. Working with a mesothelioma specialist to develop an individual treatment plan can provide much better success in managing the disease.
