Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the protective lining of some organs. The lining is called the mesothelium. In a patient with mesothelioma, the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and begin to reproduce uncontrollably. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are recorded in the United States each year, according to the American Cancer Society.
Risk Factors
The most common risk factor associated with mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. The exposure can be direct or indirect. People who work in an asbestos-contaminated environment are at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma; however, people who live with the person who works near asbestos are also at an increased risk. Smokers exposed to asbestos face an even greater risk of mesothelioma than non-smokers. Males are four times as likely as females to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Age is another risk factor. According to the American Cancer Society, those under 55 are less likely than those over 55 to develop meosthelioma. Three out of four sufferers are over the age of 65.
Medical History
To get a definitive diagnosis for mesothelioma, a detailed medical history is needed. This medical history must include a lifestyle history that details the patient's exposure to asbestos, including indirect exposure through family members or friends. A history of the symptoms, even seemingly unrelated symptoms, the patient is experiencing is needed.
Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary, depending upon the location. Because pleural mesothelioma is the most common type, the most common symptoms are shortness of breath and chest pain. Other symptoms include weight loss, fever, blood abnormalities like clotting troubles or anemia, bowel obstructions, diarrhea, constipation, painful cough and unexplained lumps in the affected area. These symptoms may not appear until 30 to 50 years after the asbestos exposure, notes the National Cancer Institute. In some cases, mesothelioma may not be found until after it has spread to other areas of the body. When this is the case, the patient may notice pain, swelling of the neck and/or face, and difficulty swallowing.
Diagnostic Tests
Because the symptoms of mesothelioma often mimic the symptoms of other conditions, diagnostic tests are necessary. These may include a chest, abdominal or testicular x-ray series, an MRI, a CT scan, lung function tests, thoracoscopy or tissue biopsy. The exact tests your doctor orders depends on the suspected location of the mesothelioma.
Staging
After a definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma is determined, the oncologist will then stage the disease. Staging is a term that refers to the extent of the mesothelioma. Testing is done to determine if the cancer has spread, according to the Mayo Clinic. If it has, the tests will let the oncologist know where and how the cancer has spread. Staging plays an important role in developing a treatment plan.
Treatment
Generally, mesothelioma is considered an incurable disease. Treating mesothelioma usually includes chemotherapy and/or radiation. Sometimes, surgery is necessary to remove affected tissue. The goal of treating mesothelioma is to improve the quality of life and get the disease into remission. In some cases, the only treatment a patient may receive is the removal of fluid that is contributing to pain and other symptoms.
