Mesothelioma, known as its more severe definition of malignant mesothelioma, is a very rare form of cancer. It is typically caused by asbestos exposure. The tissue lining your lungs, heart, and other internal organs is known as the mesothelium, and mesothelioma is a tumor if the tissue in this area. Usually it is found in the malignant form but can also be benign.

Symptoms of mesothelioma

If you are experiencing trouble breathing, pain, swelling or lumps in the abdomen, or unexpected weight loss, you might be experiencing mesothelioma symptoms. It can be tough to tell the difference between mesothelioma and lung cancer in many cases, so your doctor will recommend tests and biopsies to determine the diagnosis and treatment. You may be advised to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatments.

How is mesothelioma caused?

When the body suffers damage to its DNA, cancer may occur. DNA makes up our genes, which tell our cells how to function. Because genes control when cells grow, divide, and die, any interference in genetic processes can be dangerous. When our genes change as a result of inhaling toxic chemicals or exposure to radiation, cancer may happen.

When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can travel to the pleura, the ends of small air passage s in the lungs. These fibers cause inflammation and scarring, which leads to damaged cell DNA. This results in uncontrolled cell growth, and if swallowed, asbestos fibers can cause peritoneal mesothelioma.

Other factors such as genetic makeup and family history may make a person more likely to develop mesothelioma when exposed to asbestos, as all people exposed to it do not always get mesothelioma. People who have changes in BAP1, a gene responsible for cell growth control, may be at higher risk.

Treatments for mesothelioma

If diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, and individual can undergo three types of standard treatment, including surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Additionally, patients can take part in clinical trials.

If one chooses surgery, a wide local excision is the most common form of surgery which removes the tumor and some nearby tissue. A pleurectomy may also be advised, which removes part of the covering and lining of the chest and part of the outside surface of the lungs.

Radiation therapy is another option. External radiation therapy uses a machine that sends radioactive waves into the cancer. Internal radiation uses radioactive substances sealed in needles, wires or catheters that are placed very close to the cancer. Depending on how advanced the cancer is, radiation may be more effective.

Chemotherapy is another way of treating mesothelioma. Drugs are given to the patient to stop the growth of cancer by either killing the cells or stopping them from dividing. Usually chemo is taken by mouth or injected into veins and muscles, allowing drugs to enter the bloodstream and reach the cancer cells throughout the body. If someone has mesothelioma that has spread to the peritoneum, hyperthermic interperitoneal chemotherapy may be advised. This is where anticancer drugs are heated and pumped into and out of the abdomen to kill cancer cells.

Final steps

Ultimately, mesothelioma is not a death sentence, but being aware of your options for mesothelioma treatment can be extremely valuable in deciding which course of action to take.