What is mesothelioma?
The mesothelium is a lining that covers the body’s internal organs, including the heart, lungs, and abdomen. This lining protects organs by making a fluid that allows them to move and function properly. Tumors of the mesothelium can be benign or cancerous. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks the mesothelium, most often in the chest area surrounding the lungs, called the pleural cavity. It can also occur in the abdomen, heart or other areas. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that often spreads. Patients often have a poor prognosis.

How is mesothelioma caused?
We now know that mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. It is most often diagnosed in people who worked at jobs where they inhaled asbestos fibers. The risk of asbestos-related diseases increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, victims may develop mesothelioma after brief or indirect exposure. Family members may develop mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos particles on their spouse’s clothes or hair. The disease may not be detected until many years after exposure.

What is pleural effusion?
Mesothelioma can cause pleural effusion, sometimes “water on the lungs” or “fluid in the chest.” Pleural effusion happens when excessive fluid accumulates in the pleural cavity, limiting expansion of the lungs and impairing breathing.

What are symptoms of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is rare and difficult to diagnose as many of its symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss, can also be caused by common ailments such as influenza. People with mesothelioma often have the cancer for a few months or even years before they are diagnosed. Survival times are likely to be higher when a disease is detected earlier, so if you have been exposed to asbestos and think you may have symptoms, it is vital that you see a doctor immediately.

According to the American Cancer Society, symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can include:

• pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest
• shortness of breath
• cough
• fever
• sweating
• fatigue
• weight loss
• trouble swallowing
• hoarseness
• swelling of the face and arms
• muscle weakness

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include:

• abdominal (belly) pain
• swelling or fluid in the abdomen
• weight loss
• nausea and vomiting

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose about 2,000 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma in the United States each year. If you think you may have mesothelioma, your doctor will take a medical history and conduct a physical exam. If the exam indicates a possibility of mesothelioma, imaging tests will be done. Your doctor may ask for blood tests. If these tests suggest mesothelioma, your doctor will perform a biopsy to make a final diagnosis. A biopsy is conducted by removing cells from an abnormal area and looking at them under a microscope. It may be done in different ways, depending on the situation.

If mesothelioma is diagnosed, it will be classified by type and stage. When the tumor is located, your doctor will determine if it has spread to other organs.

What are treatment options?
Because mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, your doctor may refer you to a specialist at a major medical center. It is often a good idea to seek a second opinion from a doctor who has extensive experience treating people with this cancer. A second opinion can provide more information and help you feel more confident about the treatment plan you choose.

There is no known cure for mesothelioma. By the time the symptoms appear and mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is often in an advanced stage and difficult to treat. Treatment may extend life and make living with the disease more comfortable. Treatment depends on the type of mesothelioma, how far it has spread, your age and general health, and your preferences. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery. In addition to standard treatments options, there are also options are being tested in clinical trials, such as gene therapy and immunotherapy. Before deciding on a treatment, you should be aware of all the likely benefits and possible risks.

What support is available?

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, you and your family will be under stress and may feel overwhelmed with your medical and legal options. You should know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to patients with cancer in general and with mesothelioma in particular. You should not hesitate to reach out to support groups and professionals and ask questions so that you can make the best choices for you and your family.