Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the layer of tissues that surrounds organs. The Mayo Clinic states that 2,000 to 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Mesothelioma is more often seen in men than in women and the average age of individuals diagnosed is 60 years. The number of individuals with mesothelioma is increasing.
Types
Pleural malignant mesothelioma affects tissue that surrounds the lungs and is the most common type of mesothelioma. Abdominal tissue is the type of tissue affected in individuals with peritoneal mesothelioma. finally, pericardial mesothelioma affects tissue that surrounds the heart.
Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the number-one risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos is found in insulation, cement, brakes and other products. People who work around products containing high levels of asbestos for long periods of time are at increased risk for developing mesothelioma. According to MayoClinic.com, mesothelioma can take 30 to 40 years to develop after exposure to asbestos products. Another risk factor for developing mesothelioma is living with someone who works with asbestos and comes home wearing clothes covered in dust. Other members in the household can inhale asbestos fibers in the dust. There may also be a link between smoking and mesothelioma.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, depending on the body part affected. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, painful breathing, painful coughing, chest pain, weight loss and dry cough. Signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, change in bowel habits and weight loss. Pericardial mesothelioma causes heart palpitations, chest pain, cough, difficulty breathing when lying down, heart murmurs and irregular heartbeat.
Treatment
There is no cure for mesothelioma. Treatment of mesothelioma depends on how early or late in the disease an individual is diagnosed. Debulking surgeries can reduce the size of the tumor and are intended to remove as much cancer as possible. In some instances, lung tissue and tissue around the abdomen must be removed. Even in individuals who are diagnosed early in the disease, surgery does not guarantee that all the cancer is removed. In individuals with more advanced mesothelioma, the benefits of surgery may be short-term. In some cases, chemotherapy and radiation are used after surgery; however, the American Cancer Society states that doctors are still studying whether or not chemotherapy or radiation is beneficial. Pain medications and oxygen can also help reduce symptoms.
Prognosis
According to MedlinePlus, after a diagnosis of mesothelioma, patients live for an average of 4 to 18 months, depending on their overall health, how advanced the cancer is, and whether they are candidates for surgery.
