What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer most often found in the membrane that covers the lungs, the stomach and the heart.  The name come from the fact that the cancer invades the mesothelium, which is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body.  Three types of mesothelioma are most commonly diagnosed.  Pleural Mesothelioma is located in the pleura, which surrounds the lungs.  Peritoneal Meothelioma affects the peritoneum, which covers the stomach. Pericardial Mesothelioma impacts the pericardium, which covers the heart.  These cancerous cells agressively divide and can invade nearby tissue and organs and often spread to other parts of the body. 

Risk Factors for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is considered a “signature disease” of asbestos exposure and is usually not diagnosed for 10-50 or more years after exposure to asbestos.  Smoking does not increase the risk for mesothelioma.  Mesothelioma has been identified in workers who directly handled asbestos as well as those working nearby, and also in family members who were exposed to asbestos brought home on work clothes.  Increased levels of asbestos have also been identified in schools, homes and buildings where asbestos products were installed.  The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has concluded that there is no “safe” level of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma occurs in individuals with relatively brief asbestos exposure. 

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Because mesothelioma is a latent disease, symptoms normally do not appear for 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is shortness of breath, weight loss, and chest pain caused by an accumulation of fluid in the pleura. Similarly, in peritoneal mesothelioma buildup of fluid in the abdomen causes pain and weight loss. As the cancer spreads pain occurs in other parts of the body.  Early diagnosis of mesothelioma can increase treatment options and individuals with known asbestos exposure are encouraged to consult regularly with their doctors and timely report any concerning symptoms.

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

Because the symptoms associated with mesothelioma are commonly found with other conditions, clinical diagnosis of meothelioma is not always possible.  Treating doctors will normally interview the patient to determine possible prior asbestos exposure and will use x-rays and CT scans to identify abnormalities.   In order to conclusively diagnose mesothelioma a biopsy is necessary.  Tissue samples can be examined under a microscope and a pathologist can use immunohistocemical staining to determine if mesothelioma is the most likely diagnosis.

Treating Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma treatments normally include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and, if warranted, surgery.  Radiotherapy involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink the mesothelioma. Chemotherapy involves the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.  Doctors will normally use a long needle to remove fluid build up from the chest or the abdomen.  In some cases, the doctor may also remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it.  During the past few years a variety of new drugs and treatments for mesothelioma have been developed.  Patients should consult with their doctor regarding available treatments and seek consultation with a mesothelioma specialist as warranted.