Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, sometimes due to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma typically begins in the pleural lining that surrounds the lungs. However, it can also develop in the abdominal lining called the peritoneum. Even rare, it can develop in the pericardium around the heart or the testicles.
Men are most commonly diagnosed, but Mesothelioma in women and children can occur. It is typically seen in older people, age 65 or older.
Some known risk factors for Mesothelioma are:
Exposure: Asbestos exposure is the largest cause by far of Mesothelioma. People who have lived or worked in areas where they have inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers are at an increased risk of developing malignant Mesothelioma. Smoking and exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing certain types of lung cancer.
Medical history: A very small population of people who have received radiation treatment for lymphoma are at a higher risk, usually due to a genetic mutation in a BAP1 gene.
Signs & Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of Mesothelioma differ depending on the area of the body that is affected and are different for each person. They may include:
Lungs:
Pleural effusion (building of fluid surrounding the lungs)
Chest pain under the rib cage
Shortness of breath due to increased thickness of the lining surrounding the lungs, limiting the ability for the lungs to expand.
Cough
Abdominal:
Abdominal pain or swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid
Unusual lumps in the abdomen
Constipation or bowel obstruction
General (both lung and abdominal):
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blood clots form when they shouldn’t
Screening & Diagnosis
A complete physical exam and medical history should be made. The exam will check for any unusual physical signs. A complete medical history is also important to fully understand a person’s health habits, family history, previous illnesses, and past exposure. Additional testing may include:
Imaging: XRay, CT
Biopsy
Thoracoscopy
Thoracotomy
Peritoneoscopy
Tissue Sampling
Helpful Patient Resources:
We understand that receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a very scary and emotional time for patients and their families. It is very important to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your oncologist. We highly recommend that if you do any research about your disease, you do so only with reputable sources. For your convenience, we’ve listed some below.
