Mesothelioma is a type of asbestos-related cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a thin membrane that protects certain body organs and cavities. It is rare disease, with only about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma emerging each year. Mesothelioma may not develop until decades after asbestos exposure but once developed, it is highly aggressive and malignant.
Mesothelioma that affects the lungs is called pleural mesothelioma. It is the most common form of the cancer and responsible for more than 75 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses. It is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers which lodge in the lungs. Over time, these needle-like fibers cause cancer to develop.
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Mesothelioma that grows in the abdominal cavity is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. It is caused by the ingestion of asbestos fibers which lodge in the mesothelial layer of the peritoneum which lines the inside of the abdominal cavity. Peritoneal mesothelioma is for about 20 percent of mesothelioma cases.
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Mesothelioma that affects the heart is called pericardial mesothelioma. It occurs when asbestos fibers lodge in the mesothelial layer of the pericardial sac which protects the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma is only responsible for about 1% of mesothelioma diagnoses and is rarely diagnosed while the patient is living.
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Mesothelioma that occurs around the testicles is called testicular mesothelioma. It can occur when asbestos lodges in the mesothelial layer of the sac surrounding the testicles. It is the rarest type of mesothelioma, responsible for less than 1% of new diagnoses each year. Learn more about testicular mesothelioma by clicking the link below.
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Mesothelioma which grows from the epithelial cells of the mesothelium is known as epithelioid mesothelioma. Epithelial cells are similar in characteristics to skin cells which divide rapidly and tend to stick together. Epithelioid mesothelioma tumors may grow rapidly and become quite large but individual cells are not as likely to metastasize.
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Mesothelioma which grows from the soft tissue-type cells of the mesothelium is known as sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid cells grow to form disorganized tumors which are not uniform in size or growth pattern. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma cells are more likely to break off from the tumor and may metastasize more easily.
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Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. It affects the mesothelium in the lining of the lungs, abdominal cavity, heart or testicles. It may take 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop but once it emerges, it is highly-aggressive and malignant.
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Depending on the type of mesothelioma, treatment options may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and palliative treatments. Many patients are benefiting from multi-modal therapy which combines two or more treatment types and may also include new and progressive procedures or medications.
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Mesothelioma has traditionally had a poor prognosis with a short life expectancy. With new and combination treatment methods, the survival rates for mesothelioma have risen significantly, particularly when the cancer is diagnosed in early stages. Some patients have lived for many years beyond their original life expectancy due to successful treatment.
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Many veterans experienced significant levels of asbestos exposure during military service and are at high risk for mesothelioma development. Veterans of all branches of the military may have been exposed to asbestos by its widespread use in naval vessels, airplanes and combat vehicles. Asbestos was also used in construction of military facilities on bases throughout the U.S. and in other regions of the world. Veterans who develop mesothelioma due to military-related asbestos exposure are entitled to assistance from the U.S. government.
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Investigational studies can offer patients the opportunity to receive new and emerging treatment procedures and medications before they are available to others. Many mesothelioma patients have improved their prognosis and increased life expectancy through participation in clinical trials. Patients with mesothelioma may be eligible to participate in one of many, ongoing clinical trials which are actively investigating new, promising treatments.
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As mesothelioma is a very rare type of cancer, not all physicians will have the expertise and experience required to treat this aggressive disease. Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma should seek treatment from a mesothelioma specialist to ensure that all treatment options are explored. A doctor match can connect patients with top doctors involved in mesothelioma treatment and research.
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