What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a tumor that starts in the mesothelium, the lining of certain internal organs. An estimated 2,500 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the U.S. The disease occurs more often in men, and the average age of diagnosis is 69. The disease has been linked to exposure to asbestos.
Malignant mesotheliomas are caused by asbestos exposure. The greater the exposure, the greater the risk, although experts believe there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. The onset of the disease can take anywhere from 15 to 50 years.
Mesothelioma prognosis depends on the size of the cancer, where it is, how far it has spread, how it responds to treatment, the general health of the patient, as well as other factors.
Mesothelioma was rare before the commercial use of asbestos. In recent years, diagnoses of mesothelioma has leveled off and even decreased. This decrease is likely related to efforts over time to reduce workplace asbestos exposure.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a fibrous, fire resistant mineral that has been widely used in many industrial products including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles and insulation. It can also be found in talc, including talcum powders used for personal hygiene, baby powders, and talc-containing cosmetics.
Millions of people may have been exposed to asbestos, especially in the workplace, including miners, factory workers, insulation manufacturers and installers, railroad and automotive works, ship builders, plumbers, construction workers, and veterans. About a third of the 2,500 malignant mesothelioma diagnoses each year affect Veterans. This rare but deadly disease is so prevalent among service members because asbestos was widely used in almost all branches of the military including Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard from the 1930s to the 1980s.
Family members of people who work in environments where they are exposed to asbestos can also be at risk for secondary asbestos exposure, because the fibers can adhere to workers’ clothes and be carried home. For example, washing the clothes of someone who works around asbestos increases that person’s risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Early mesothelioma symptoms are often mistaken for common, minor ailments and, as a result, most people with the disease have symptoms for at least a few months before they are diagnosed.
Symptoms vary depending on where the cancer originates, and can include pain in the side of the chest, lower back or abdomen; swelling in the abdomen, face or arms; shortness of breath; coughing; fever; difficulty swallowing; fatigue; nausea and vomiting; excessive sweating; and unexplained weight loss.
These symptoms can be caused by other conditions. If you have experienced these symptoms – especially if you have been exposed to asbestos – you should talk to your doctor right away so that the cause can be identified and the condition treated.
Types of mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of internal organs. There are four types of mesothelioma, with some being more common than others. All are caused by asbestos exposure.
Pleural mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleura, or lining that coats the lungs. This type of mesothelioma accounts for about 75 percent of all cases of mesothelioma. Most asbestos-related mesotheliomas are pleural mesotheliomas.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma
- Pain in the side of the chest or lower back
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Fever
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Swelling of the face and arms
Pleural mesothelioma diagnosis
Imaging scans like X-rays, CT, MRI or PET scans are usually performed to identify potential tumors. If tumors are detected, blood tests may be performed to look for specific markers. Diagnosis is confirmed through a biopsy.
Pleural mesothelioma staging
Staging of pleural mesothelioma is often determined by whether the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and whether it has metastasized to distant organs.
Pleural mesothelioma treatment
- Surgery, called cytoreduction, is often performed, to remove as many cancer cells as possible.
- Chemotherapy may be prescribed to kill any cells that linger after surgery.
- Targeted radiation therapy may be used to shrink tumors.
Pleural mesothelioma prognosis
As with other cancers, pleural mesothelioma prognosis depends on many factors, including the disease progression at time of diagnosis, treatment options, overall patient health and other considerations.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma involves the peritoneum, which lines the inside of the abdomen and many of the abdominal organs. About 25 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses are peritoneal mesotheliomas.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling or fluid in the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
Peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis
Diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma can be challenging because symptoms often mimic other diseases. Most diagnostic tests are done to rule out other forms of cancer. Diagnosis is confirmed through a biopsy.
Peritoneal mesothelioma staging
This type of cancer does not have an official staging system.
Peritoneal mesothelioma treatment
- Surgery, called cytoreduction, is often performed, to remove as many cancer cells as possible.
- Chemotherapy may be prescribed to kill any cells that linger after surgery.
- Targeted radiation therapy may be used to shrink tumors.
Peritoneal mesothelioma prognosis
As with other cancers, peritoneal mesothelioma prognosis depends on many factors, including the disease progression at time of diagnosis, treatment options, overall patient health and other considerations.
Pericardial mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the lining around the heart, and is extremely rare. About 1 percent of mesotheliomas are pericardial mesotheliomas.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Heart murmurs
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing, even at rest
- Orthopnea, or difficulty breathing when lying down
- Fatigue
- Fever or night sweats
Pericardial mesothelioma diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because it is extremely rare. Echocardiogram and CT scans can help doctors identify if a patient may have pericardial mesothelioma. If mesothelioma is suspected, based on symptoms and risk factors, a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma staging
This type of cancer does not have an official staging system.
Pericardial mesothelioma treatment
- Doctors may perform a pericardiectomy – surgery to remove some or all of the pericardium. Tumors may also be surgically removed from the heart if patients are deemed eligible.
- A pericardiocentesis can also be performed to remove fluid and relieve pressure from around the heart.
- Chemotherapy may be an option for some patients to kill any cells that linger after surgery.
- Radiation is rarely used with pericardial mesothelioma patients because of the tumor’s close proximity to the heart.
Pericardial mesothelioma prognosis
As with other cancers, pericardial mesothelioma prognosis depends on many factors, including the the disease progression at time of diagnosis, treatment options, overall patient health and other considerations.
Tunica vaginalis mesothelioma
Tunica vaginalis mesothelioma, also referred to as testicular mesothelioma, affects the sac surrounding the testicles. It is also extremely rare.
Symptoms of tunica vaginalis mesothelioma
- Hydrocele (buildup of fluid in the scrotum)
- Abnormal lump inside the scrotum
- Pain and swelling of the testes
Tunica vaginalis mesothelioma diagnosis
Because this type of mesothelioma is so rare, it is often misdiagnosed for more common conditions, such as a hernia. Patients presenting with symptoms related to testicular mesothelioma are often given an ultrasound, which can identify whether a tumor is present. If a tumor is suspected, other imaging scans may be performed to determine staging. Blood samples may also be collected to look for markers specific to cancer and mesothelioma. Definitive diagnosis is made through a biopsy.
Tunica vaginalis mesothelioma staging
Staging of tunica vaginalis mesothelioma is often determined by whether the mesothelioma cells are localized to one side of the testis, as well as the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and whether it has metastasized to distant organs.
Tunica vaginalis mesothelioma treatment
- Surgery called a radical inguinal orchiectomy may be performed in cases of localized testicular mesothelioma. This involves removing the affected testicle and entire spermatic chord. A lymphadenectomy may be performed if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy may be prescribed to kill any cells that linger after surgery.
- Targeted radiation therapy may be used to shrink tumors.
Tunica vaginalis mesothelioma prognosis
As with other cancers, tunica vaginalis mesothelioma prognosis depends on many factors, including the disease progression at time of diagnosis, treatment options, overall patient health and other considerations.
Asbestosis
Asbestos exposure has also been linked to asbestosis, a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment caused by the scarring of lung tissue due to asbestos exposure. This scarring can make it difficult for the lungs to expand and contract.
Asbestosis Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Persistent dry cough
- Chest pain
- Loss of appetite
- Finger clubbing (enlarged fingertips)
- Nail deformities
- Asbestosis Diagnosis
Imaging scans like X-rays, CT, MRI or PET scans may be performed to look for signs of scarring.
Asbestosis Treatment
- Asbestosis is an incurable disease so treatments typically involve treating symptoms. Prescription inhalers may help loosen congestion in the lungs. Supplemental oxygen may also be ordered.
- Lung transplants may be an option for some patients.
In addition to mesothelioma, asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung cancer and other cancers including those of the larynx and kidney.
Mesothelioma Lawsuit
All types of mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. Those most exposed to this toxic mineral include miners, factory workers, insulation manufacturers and installers, railroad and automotive works, ship builders, plumbers, and construction workers.
Family members of people who work in environments where asbestos is present can also be at risk for secondary asbestos exposure, because asbestos fibers can adhere to workers’ clothes and be carried home. Just washing clothes of someone who works around asbestos can cause secondary asbestos exposure and increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma Lawyers
We understand that your number-one priority is your mesothelioma treatment, and we will never do anything to interfere with that. We also understand that legal action is not appropriate for everyone. Unfortunately, however, our experience shows that all too often these giant corporations are choosing profits over people and until they are forced to pay they will continue on with their blatant disregard for the health and well-being of their employees and their consumers.
An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you navigate a complex mesothelioma lawsuit to help ensure adequate compensation. At Beasley Allen, our team of mesothelioma attorneys and support staff understand that mesothelioma is a devastating cancer that harms many families each year. We also understand that your mesothelioma lawyer must do more than just handle the claim on your behalf. We want to help your family make it through a very difficult time and we want to make certain the manufacturers of these unsafe asbestos products compensate you fairly.
If you or your loved one has suffered a serious injury, or your loved one has died as a result of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. Please contact our mesothelioma lawyers today by filling out the brief questionnaire, or by calling our toll-free number (800-898-2034) for a free, no-cost, no-obligation legal evaluation of your case.
