Disease
Mesothelioma
Overview of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue known as the mesothelium, which lines the lungs, abdomen, heart or testicles. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos fibers and can remain undetected for decades. Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose early and has a poor prognosis, but advances in mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and mesothelioma therapy, are offering better outcomes for patients.
Types of Mesothelioma
- Pleural Mesothelioma: Affects the lining of the lungs (most common type).
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Impacts the lining of the abdomen.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma: Develops in the lining of the heart.
- Testicular Mesothelioma: Very rare, affects the tunica vaginalis of the testis.
- Malignant Mesothelioma: A cancerous form with poor prognosis.
- Epithelioid Mesothelioma: The most treatable and common cell subtype.
- Sarcomatoid & Biphasic Mesothelioma: More aggressive and harder to treat.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
- Persistent chest pain and shortness of breath
- Fluid buildup (pleural effusion or ascites)
- Abdominal swelling or pain (especially in peritoneal mesothelioma)
- Chronic cough or wheezing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Night sweats and fever
- Digestive disturbances in abdominal cases
- Lumps under the skin (in advanced cases)
Causes of Mesothelioma
- Asbestos Exposure: The primary and most common cause
- Occupational Hazard: Construction, shipyard, insulation, or demolition jobs
- Environmental Exposure: Living near asbestos mines or old buildings
- Secondhand Exposure: Family members of workers handling asbestos
- Genetic Mutations: Rare inherited mutations may increase risk
- Radiation Exposure: Past radiation therapy to the chest
Complications in Mesothelioma
- Lung collapse due to fluid buildup
- Respiratory failure
- Spread of cancer to other organs
- Severe abdominal infections
- Difficulty swallowing or chest tightness
- Side effects of intensive treatments
- Reduced mobility due to chronic pain
Risk Factors of Mesothelioma
- Long-term or repeated asbestos exposure
- Male gender (more occupational exposure)
- Age over 60
- Smoking (worsens symptoms but doesn’t cause mesothelioma directly)
- Family history of mesothelioma
- Previous radiation therapy to chest or abdomen
Preventions of Mesothelioma
- Avoid asbestos exposure, especially in high-risk occupations
- Use certified protective equipment in construction zones
- Ensure safe asbestos removal by professionals
- Regular screenings for those with known exposure
- Promote awareness in industries with asbestos use
- Follow health and safety guidelines strictly
Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
- Imaging Tests: Chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI, and PET scan
- Biopsy: Needle or surgical biopsy confirms cancer type
- Thoracoscopy or Laparoscopy: For tissue examination
- Blood Tests: Biomarkers like SMRP and fibulin-3
- Histopathological Analysis: Determines cancer subtype
- Molecular Testing: Assists in personalized therapy plans
Treatments of Mesothelioma
- Surgery: Removal of tumors (extrapleural pneumonectomy or peritonectomy)
- Chemotherapy: Systemic drugs like cisplatin and pemetrexed
- Radiation Therapy: Controls symptoms and improves quality of life
- Immunotherapy: Boosts immune system to attack cancer
- Targeted Therapy: Works on specific cancer cells
- Palliative Care: Manages pain and improves daily life
- Multimodal Therapy: Combines two or more treatments
- Clinical Trials: Access to emerging therapies
Prognosis of Mesothelioma
- Depends on stage, location and cell type
- Early-stage diagnosis improves survival chances
- Median survival: 12 to 21 months
- Better prognosis for epithelioid mesothelioma
- Supportive care enhances life quality
- Mesothelioma survival rate is improving with advanced treatments
Care at MyhealthMydoctor
- Personalised mesothelioma disease treatment plans.
- Access to top mesothelioma doctors in India and abroad.
- Coordination with high-end mesothelioma law firms for compensation cases.
- Minimally invasive diagnostics and treatment options.
- Teleconsultations and international patient care.
- Supportive therapies including pain management and palliative services.
- Detailed cost breakdown and transparent care pathway.
- Emotional and psychological support for patients and families.
Some Important Questions Patients Should Ask Their Doctor During a Consultation
- What stage is my mesothelioma, and what does it mean?
- Am I eligible for surgery or immunotherapy?
- How is mesothelioma from asbestos different from lung cancer?
- What’s the life expectancy with my current diagnosis?
- Are there any side effects of chemotherapy for this condition?
- Can I participate in clinical trials for new treatments?
What Patients Expect from Doctors During Consultation?
- Clear explanation of mesothelioma signs and symptoms
- Discussion on latest treatment options, risks and benefits
- Honest conversation about prognosis and expected outcomes
- A roadmap for follow-up scans and tests
- Referrals to palliative care, if necessary
- Assistance with insurance, legal support, or second opinions
- Respectful communication and emotional reassurance
- Personalised care strategy for pain and symptom relief