Symptom of Mesothelioma: Understanding This Deadly Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly cancer that affects the mesothelial cells found in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. It is caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers, which can become lodged in the mesothelial cells and cause them to mutate into cancerous cells. Symptoms of mesothelioma can take 20-50 years to develop, making it challenging to diagnose in its early stages. In this article, we will discuss the various symptoms of mesothelioma, how it affects the body, and the treatment options available for those affected by it.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells that line the organs in the body. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma include peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdomen, and pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the heart.

How Is Mesothelioma Caused?

Mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the mesothelial cells and cause them to mutate into cancerous cells. While asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, other factors such as genetics and radiation exposure may play a role in the development of the disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Type of Mesothelioma	Common Symptoms
Pleural Mesothelioma	Shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, fatigue, weight loss
Peritoneal Mesothelioma	Abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, bowel changes, weight loss
Pericardial Mesothelioma	Chest pain, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, fatigue

It is important to note that the symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos. This can make diagnosis challenging, as the symptoms are often mistaken for other less severe conditions.

How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed through a combination of imaging tests such as CT scans and biopsies to examine the tissue for cancerous cells. If mesothelioma is suspected, it is important to consult with a specialist who has experience treating this rare cancer.

What Are the Treatment Options for Mesothelioma?

The treatment options for mesothelioma depend on the stage of the disease and the location of the cancer. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are the most common treatments for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma patients may also be eligible for clinical trials, which can provide access to experimental treatments that are not yet available to the general public.

How Can Mesothelioma be Prevented?

The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid exposure to asbestos. If you work in an industry that uses asbestos, it is important to follow safety guidelines and wear appropriate protective gear. If you suspect that you may have been exposed to asbestos in the past, it is important to speak with your doctor about the appropriate screening tests.

FAQs About Mesothelioma Symptoms

1. Can mesothelioma affect the brain?

Mesothelioma typically does not spread to the brain, but it can cause symptoms such as headaches and seizures if it spreads to the lining of the brain.

2. Is mesothelioma always terminal?

Mesothelioma is often considered a terminal cancer, but early detection and aggressive treatment can improve a patient’s prognosis.

3. Are there any new treatments for mesothelioma?

There are several new treatments being developed for mesothelioma, including immunotherapy and gene therapy, which show promising results in clinical trials.

4. Can mesothelioma cause weight gain?

Mesothelioma typically causes weight loss, not weight gain. However, weight gain may occur if a patient is taking steroids as part of their treatment.

5. Can mesothelioma cause fever?

Fever is not a common symptom of mesothelioma, but it may occur in rare cases.

6. Is pleural mesothelioma curable?

Pleural mesothelioma is not currently considered curable, but treatment can help manage the symptoms and prolong a patient’s life.

7. Can mesothelioma cause back pain?

Mesothelioma can cause back pain if it spreads to the spine. However, back pain is not a common symptom of mesothelioma.

8. Is mesothelioma hereditary?

Mesothelioma is not typically considered hereditary, but there may be a genetic component that increases a person’s risk of developing the disease.

9. Can mesothelioma affect the liver?

Mesothelioma typically does not spread to the liver, but it can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and swelling if it spreads to the lining of the abdomen.

10. Can mesothelioma cause night sweats?

Night sweats are not a common symptom of mesothelioma, but they may occur in some patients.

11. Is peritoneal mesothelioma curable?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is not currently considered curable, but treatment can help manage the symptoms and prolong a patient’s life.

12. Can mesothelioma cause skin rashes?

Mesothelioma typically does not cause skin rashes, but it may cause other skin-related symptoms such as lumps and bumps on the chest or abdomen.

13. Is mesothelioma contagious?

Mesothelioma is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.

Conclusion

Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly cancer that can affect the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos, making it challenging to diagnose in its early stages. Treatment options for mesothelioma include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, and clinical trials may offer access to experimental treatments. Prevention is key when it comes to mesothelioma, and avoiding exposure to asbestos is the best way to prevent this deadly cancer.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to seek support from a specialist who has experience treating this rare cancer. With early detection and aggressive treatment, it is possible to manage the symptoms of mesothelioma and improve a patient’s quality of life.

Closing Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.