Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare yet deadly form of cancer which attacks the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is relatively uncommon, and is typically associated with previous exposure to asbestos.

The mesothelium is a protective, double layered membrane that covers the internal organs of the body, including the lungs, heart, abdominal organs and reproductive organs. The first layer of the mesothelium immediately surrounds the organ, the second forms a sac around it. A lubricating fluid is released between the two layers of the mesothelium, allowing moving organs such as the heart and lungs to glide easily against surrounding tissue.

The mesothelium has several different names, depending on the organ it protects. The pericardium is the mesotheial tissue that surrounds and protects the heart(pericardial mesothelioma). The pleural mesothelium is the membrane that covers the lungs and chest cavity(pleural mesothelioma). The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that surrounds the organs in the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma can affect any of these cells, but is most commonly seen in the pleural (lungs) mesothelia. Additionally, the malignant (cancerous) cells can not only invade and damage nearby tissues and organs, they can also metastasize (spread) from the original location of the cancer to other parts of the body.

Those most at risk for developing mesothelioma have generally been exposed to asbestos, usually in the workplace. Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that emerge organically in masses of strong and flexible fibers. These fibers can be spread and woven into incombustible fabric, or mixed into cement, which is usually used as insulating material. Asbestos has been used extensively in industrial products and construction in the last 50-100 years. Construction using asbestos fibers causes tiny particles of asbestos to float in the air, and once the particles are inhaled into the lungs it is impossible to expel them. The particles become embedded in the mesothelium, and over a period of many years the affected cells can become cancerous. In most cases of mesothelioma, it takes several decades for the disease to even show symptoms. While the risk of developing mesothelioma increases as the time spent in proximity to asbestos increases, there are several documented cases of workers who have been exposed to asbestos yet never developed the disease. Those who have worked in industries using asbestos should be examined regularly for the development of lung disease, as treatment is more effective if the disease is detected early.

Although incidence rates of mesothelioma have certainly increased in the past 20 years, mainly because of work-related asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is by no means a common form of cancer. About 2,000- 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed every year, typically in men who are 60-70 years old. The average life span of a person inflicted with this deadly disease is about 12-24 months after diagnosis. However, mesothelioma has a very long latency period; it is usually about 30-50 years before symptoms of the disease appear.

Symptoms of mesothelioma typically include shortness of breath and localized pain. Pleural mesothelioma usually causes chest pain as the cavity fills with fluid. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal swelling. Additionally, once the cancer has spread to other parts of the body symptoms may include trouble swallowing, swelling of the neck and face, and intense pain.

Diagnosing mesothelioma can be extremely difficult, because common symptoms of mesothelioma can be caused by a number of different medical problems. Typically, doctors perform a physical on the patient, including medical history and any exposure to asbestos. X-Rays of the chest and abdomen are taken, and a CT ( or CAT) scan can be performed. Biopsies are also usually taken, which help doctors and oncologists determine what stage the cancer is in. While there is no cure for mesothelioma, treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Treatment is aimed mainly at relieving symptoms of the disease and reducing the size of tumors. There have been advances in recent cancer treatments, including photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy, which give hope to prolong the lives of patients. Tragically, the life expectancy after being diagnosed with mesothelioma is typically between 12 and 24 months.

Last modified: April 14, 2009