What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer with approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new cases diagnosed annually in America. This form of cancer is likely to be diagnosed in men over the age of 65, but has also been diagnosed in women; extremely rarely in children.

Mesothelioma is the presence of abnormal or malignant mesothelium cells which attack the surrounding tissues. These cells are aggressive and likely to spread beyond the point of origin, attacking other body systems.

The mesothelium is is the membrane covering organs in the body such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen. This sac consists of two cell layers. The first layer surrounds the organ directly, while the other forms the sac surrounding the first. The mesothelium allows organs to move within the body by producing a fluid between these two layers. The location of the mesothelium determines the type of mesothelioma. For example, the pleura is the mesothelium in the lungs, the pericardium is in the heart, and the peritoneum surrounds the abdomen.

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Mesothelioma has been overwhelmingly linked to asbestos exposure, which is currently the leading cause of the disease. Historically, men were likely to work in occupations and job sites where asbestos was present, contributing to their number of diagnoses over women. Throughout the twentieth century, millions of Americans were exposed to asbestos. Most of this exposure occurred at dangerous levels, with little to no safety protocols in place. The government eventually stepped in and placed regulations and abatement orders against the toxic material during the 1970s and 1980s. However, the damage had already been done and there has yet to be a ban placed on the substance. Buildings today, constructed prior to the regulations continue to pose a health risk.

Asbestos acts as a human carcinogen, once it has been inhaled or swallowed, the tiny needle-like fibers imbed themselves in the mesothelium. Symptoms do not develop for several years, even decades, due to the disease’s long latency period, which averages between 20 and 50 years. Symptoms include chest pain and trouble breathing in the case of pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include pain in the abdomen, swelling, weight loss, blocked bowels, fever, and anemia.The symptoms of mesothelioma often mimic those of other illnesses, making diagnosis difficult.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis generally begins with an overview of the patient’s medical history, as well as a physical examination. Further analysis utilizes imaging scans such as MRI and CT scans. A biopsy is normally performed in order to confirm the presence of cancer. The malignancy is then considered localized if it remains in the area of origin, and considered advanced if it has metastasized.

Treatment

Treatment options concerning mesothelioma depend on a variety of factors such as the cancer’s location and stage, along with the general age and health of the patient. The most common methods of treatment are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Treatment options and prognosis remain the most favorable during the cancer’s earlier stages.

Doctors and scientists continue to develop more aggressive and alternative therapies in an attempt to provide better palliative and curative treatments for mesothelioma patients. These medical and therapy methods are currently being studied in both laboratory and clinical trial settings. There is a chemotherapy agent, Alimta, approved for the use in treating pleural mesothelioma by the FDA. Other drugs and procedures continue to be developed.

Hopefully, as research continues, mesothelioma patients will be provided with better options. Currently, there is no known cure for mesothelioma.

Reference:

American Cancer Society