Mesothelioma Types, Prognosis, Symptoms & Treatment
Mesothelioma Types, Prognosis, Symptoms & Treatment - Malignant Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Microscopic asbestos fibers can be unknowingly inhaled or swallowed, causing irritation to tissues, cell mutation and mesothelioma tumor formation. The disease typically forms in the lining of the lungs or abdomen. It can often take decades for cancer to form and present symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma challenging. Connecting with a mesothelioma specialist is essential to fighting this rare disease.
Cause of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops due to asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was frequently used throughout many American industries during the 20th century. The mineral was valued for its affordability, durability and resistance to heat.
However, the health risks associated with the substance were unknown to the public until the late 1980s, which was decades after the majority of American buildings, schools, offices, homes and countless other structures, products and materials contained asbestos.
Anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma was likely exposed to asbestos in some way. Asbestos exposure can occur by the slightest disturbance of an asbestos-containing product or material. Since the mineral was used throughout construction and other industries that involve hard labor or power tools, exposure was a common occurrence on job sites.
Chrysotile and Tremolite asbestos
Drilling, sawing, grinding, hammering, or any other sort of action can disturb asbestos and send microscopic fibers into the air – similar to a cloud of dust. Anyone near the asbestos dust is at risk of exposure.
Without proper protective equipment, one can inhale or swallow the tiny, needle-like fibers, causing mesothelioma among other severe health conditions. The asbestos fibers can become lodged in the protective linings of the lungs, abdomen or heart, causing tissue irritation, cell mutation and the development of mesothelioma.
One of the challenges of mesothelioma is the long latency period, which is the length of time between initial exposure and official diagnosis. It can often last decades, resulting in late-stage diagnosis, difficulty treating the cancer and a poor prognosis.
Stages of Mesothelioma
There are four stages of mesothelioma, which are determined by how the cancer spreads in the body. Stage 1 and stage 2 are considered the early stages of mesothelioma, while stage 3 and stage 4 are considered more advanced. The most common mesothelioma diagnosis is stage 3 mesothelioma. Treatment options vary depending on the stage of diagnosis.
Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and other organs. It’s an aggressive disease, but treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy have helped patients live longer, fuller lives after a diagnosis. Learn how Mesothelioma Hope can connect you or a loved one with medical guidance, financial assistance, and supportive care.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Malignant mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure that most commonly develops in the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura.
Mesothelioma cancer can also affect the lining of the abdomen. In rare instances, tumors may develop in the lining of the heart or testes.
Key Facts on Malignant Mesothelioma
About 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.
Patients typically report a gradual increase in symptoms like cough, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup.
Veterans make up roughly 30% of all mesothelioma cases.
Patients and family members may qualify for legal compensation averaging over $1 million.
Manufacturers of asbestos-containing products hid the link between asbestos and mesothelioma for decades to keep making profits. As a result, millions of civilian workers, military personnel, and their families were exposed to asbestos without knowing the risks.
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can manifest in four different types, each impacting a specific part of the body. Keep reading to get a better grasp of these mesothelioma types.
Pleural Mesothelioma (Lung Lining)
Malignant pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. This type makes up over 75% of reported mesothelioma cases, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Pleural mesothelioma is characterized by four stages. Early stages of mesothelioma typically mean the cancer is limited to the chest area and hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes. Later stages of pleural mesothelioma can spread to distant organs.
The staging of pleural mesothelioma helps doctors determine the type of treatment a patient will receive. Early stages are easier to treat with pleural mesothelioma surgery.
