Malignant Mesothelioma

Causes, symptoms and treatment of malignant mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is known to be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is used in insulation, cement, and other industrial products. When asbestos particles are inhaled or swallowed, they may later develop into mesothelioma and/or other diseases. It is not known how much exposure to asbestos is safe.

Symptoms vary as to where the cancer is located. People with pleural mesothelioma may have persistent coughing, pain in the chest, weight loss, loss of appetite, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath. People with peritoneal mesothelioma may have a bowel blockage, pain and swelling in the abdomen, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Common in both cases is the build up of fluid in the area of disease. Some patients may have no symptoms at all and are diagnosed coincidentally. Many symptoms do not appear until many years have passed.

Before a complete diagnosis is made, an x-ray and CT scan of the affected area will most likely be taken. Also, it is often that a view of the affected internal organs be taken with a special scope that is inserted internally. To diagnose both types of malignant mesothelioma, a biopsy of the cancerous tissue is required. Malignant mesothelioma is very hard to diagnose because of the myriad of other diseases that it resembles.

Treatment options are available depending on what stage the cancer is in. Stage one is when the cancer is more localized in nature. Stages 2, 3, and 4 are when the cancer is spreading outward to other organs and tissues. Stage 5 (the last stage) is when the cancer has spread to distant organs. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or clinical trials. A combination of options may also be used to slow the progression of the cancer and to prolong the patient’s life. Draining the excess fluid is another way to relieve symptoms. While there is no cure, the main priority is to make the patient as comfortable as possible. The earlier the detection of mesothelioma, the greater possibility there is of a cure.