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Mesothelioma Cancer
Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that primarily develops in the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). Caused by asbestos, mesothelioma has no known cure and has a poor prognosis.
Learn more about various topics related to mesothelioma below, and follow the links for additional information on each subject.
Prognosis and Survival of Mesothelioma Patients
When diagnosed with mesothelioma, the prognosis is usually poor, as there is no cure for the disease, and typically it is discovered at a late stage of development. Generally, the earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the better prognosis a patient has.
The following additional factors can have a significant impact on the prognosis of mesothelioma. A good doctor should be able to give you an honest assessment when all have been identified and considered.
Surviving Mesothelioma
While prognosis is generally poor, there is still hope of survival. For example, Heather Von St. James is a 10-year mesothelioma survivor who has become an advocate for mesothelioma awareness and an outspoken proponent of banning asbestos. Other mesothelioma survivors have shared their stories, which can inspire those who have mesothelioma.
Types of Mesothelioma
There are two ways to categorize the type of mesothelioma a person has. The first is by where the tumors are found in the body. (Pleural mesothelioma is found in the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the abdomen, and percardial mesothelioma is found in the heart. The second way to categorize mesothelioma is by the three types of possible cell structure the cancer may have: (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic).
Mesothelioma is most commonly classified by the location in the body where it develops. Specifically, the cancer forms in the lining of certain organs or spaces within the body, known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma typically develops in one of three specific areas.
Pleural Mesothelioma
LUNGSThe most common type, pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.Peritoneal Mesothelioma
ABDOMENInhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers can become trapped in lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum).Pericardial Mesothelioma
HEARTIn rare cases, asbestos fibers can get lodged in the pericardium, the lining around the heart cavity.
Mesothelioma most commonly forms (between 80 to 90 percent of the time) in the pleura of the lungs as shown below:
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
As a rare form of cancer, diagnosing mesothelioma can be a long, complex, and often frustrating process, and the disease is often misdiagnosed. Doctors rely on the symptoms of the patient as well as various types of tests to diagnose mesothelioma.
Symptoms
The symptoms associated with mesothelioma can often look like conditions related to other diseases, which makes it very difficult to diagnose. Some common symptoms of mesothelioma include:
Diagnostic Tests
Typically, doctors will try to diagnose the disease by eliminating other potential or related diseases and conditions first. This often involves a variety of tests that provide differing levels of information from which to make a determination about the disease.
Mesothelioma Staging
Upon a diagnosis of mesothelioma, the doctor will categorize the disease into one of four stages. While there are several staging systems, the TNM System — which stands for tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis — is the most commonly used.
Typically, Stage 1 and Stage 2 mesothelioma can be treated effectively with surgery and other forms of therapy. However, Stage 3 and Stage 4 mesothelioma are often treated palliatively (i.e., to relieve pain rather than in an attempt to cure the disease).
Mesothelioma Treatment
Once an individual has been diagnosed by a qualified mesothelioma doctor and the disease has been appropriately staged, the next step is to discuss mesothelioma treatment options and to develop a treatment plan. Although no cure for mesothelioma exists, several standard therapies are available. In some cases, these treatments can improve the patient’s prognosis, extending their lives significantly.
For late-stage mesothelioma patients, these treatments may be used palliatively to reduce pain and discomfort caused by the symptoms of mesothelioma.
Many treatment plans use an approach known as multimodal therapy, which employs two or more of these treatment methods in combination.
Clinical Trials and Emerging Treatments
Depending on various factors such as the patient’s age, tumor location, cell type, staging, and other considerations, some patients may be eligible to participate in a clinical trial. These trials test new and emerging treatments that could ultimately lead to much better therapy options – and potentially even a cure.
Mesothelioma Doctors and Cancer Centers
Once diagnosed with mesothelioma, a patient will likely need to visit with a variety of specialists. These visits may require travel, as the number of doctors who focus on mesothelioma is rather small. There are also some cancer centers dedicated specifically to mesothelioma treatment and research.
Top Mesothelioma Doctors in the CountryDavid Sugarbaker, M.D.
Professor of Surgery, Chief of General Thoracic Surgery, Director of the Lung Institute Baylor College of MedicineRaphael Bueno, M.D.
Chief, Division of Thoracic Surgery; Vice Chair of Surgery for Cancer and Translational Research Brigham and Women's HospitalWhat Causes Mesothelioma?
Additional Mesothelioma Resources
If you or someone you know has mesothelioma, these resources offer additional information about getting assistance.
Caregiver Resources
Get help caring for your loved one who has mesothelioma, including information about long-term care, counseling services, and taking care of your own needs as well.
Financial Assistance
The costs associated with treating mesothelioma can be significant. In many cases, individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma who were exposed to asbestos are eligible for financial compensation from asbestos manufacturers for their illness. Financial assistance is available to help offset the high cost of mesothelioma treatment.
Legal Help
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. If this exposure occurred in a workplace, public building, school, or through the use of an product that contained asbestos, you may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other related expenses. Learn more about your legal rights.
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