Are you aware of the cancer called Mesothelioma? Let's talk about it!

Sometimes we hear about rare but serious types of cancer. Mesothelioma is one of them. Maybe you have been having difficulty breathing or chest pain for a long time, it's good to think about these things. Let's see what this is?

What is Mesothelioma?

Simply put, mesothelioma is a type of cancer. But this one is a little special. There is a protective membrane around some of the important organs in our body, like a thin covering. This is called the mesothelium . This cancer starts in the cells of the mesothelium.

Think about it, our lungs are surrounded by a membrane called the pleura , and our abdominal organs are surrounded by a membrane called the peritoneum . These are the places where it most commonly occurs. Rarely, it can occur in the pericardium , the sac-like membrane around the heart, or in the tunica vaginalis, the membrane around the testicles in men.

Another special thing about this is that more than one cancer can develop. Sometimes these tumors can join together and spread like a sheet around the organ. When that happens, treatment becomes a little more difficult.

Are there types of mesothelioma?

Yes, there are several main types depending on where it grows.

• Pleural mesothelioma: This is the most common type . It develops in the lining around our lungs, called the pleura.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma: This is the second most common type. It develops in the peritoneum, the lining around the organs in the abdomen and pelvic cavity.
• Pericardial mesothelioma: This is a very rare type of cancer . It develops in the pericardium, the sac-like membrane that surrounds our heart.
• Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (also called paratesticular mesothelioma): This is also very rare . It develops in the lining around the testicles in men.

Sometimes you hear about ``Solitary fibrous tumors'', which are also called ``benign mesothelioma''. But it is not actually related to ``malignant'' mesothelioma.

Additionally, you may hear mesothelioma described as epithelioid , sarcomatoid , or a combination of both , or biphasic, depending on the shape and other characteristics of the cancer cells. Treatment options and prognosis may vary depending on the type of mesothelioma you have.

What are the symptoms of this?

Symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where it is located in the body. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sweating at night
• Constant fatigue
• Unintentional weight loss
• Chest or abdominal pain
• Breathing difficulties, such as shortness of breath (dyspnea) , coughing, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Digestive system symptoms, for example diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
• Symptoms related to the cardiovascular system, such as low blood pressure and abnormal heart rate patterns
• Swelling, lumps, or pain in the testicles or groin area

Having one or two of these symptoms is not a sign of mesothelioma. However, if these symptoms persist, it is important to seek medical advice.

Why is this happening? What are the reasons?

The main cause of this is exposure to asbestos . Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. In the past, it was used in many industries, such as building materials, shipbuilding, and the automotive industry. Did you know that asbestos contains fibers that are like needles? These can damage our tissues if we inhale them or swallow them.

But the special thing here is that this cancer does not develop immediately after exposure to asbestos. It can take decades for the cancer to develop.

But this doesn't happen to everyone. Not everyone exposed to asbestos develops mesothelioma. And not everyone who develops mesothelioma has been exposed to asbestos. That means other factors can play a role.

What are the risk factors?

Having worked in a job that exposed you to asbestos is a major risk factor. For example:

• People who work in building construction and demolition
• People involved in the shipbuilding industry
• People working in the mining industry
• People who served in the military (some old equipment may have contained asbestos)
• People engaged in the milling industry
• In places where vehicles are repaired (especially things like brake linings in older vehicles)

There are other risk factors:

• Radiation exposure: If you have previously received radiation treatments for cancer (especially to the chest area), or if you work in a job that exposes you to radiation.
• Exposure to Erionite: Erionite is a mineral similar to asbestos. It was once used to build roads.
• Genetics: An inherited mutation in the BAP1 gene may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including mesothelioma.
• Biological sex: Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women.

Complications of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. It can also cause fluid to build up around the lungs (pleural effusion) , around the heart (pericardial effusion) , or in the abdomen (ascites) . These can cause further complications for the patient.

How do doctors detect this?

Depending on your symptoms and health history, your doctor may perform the following tests to determine if you have mesothelioma:

• Blood tests
• Lung function tests
• Imaging tests, such as chest X-rays and CT scans
• PET scans (positron emission tomography - scans) to check for cancer cells elsewhere in the body
• Removing fluid from the pleural cavity or abdominal cavity (thoracentesis or paracentesis) and examining it for cancer cells (cytology)
• Biopsy - This involves taking a small piece of tissue and examining it under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells.

What are the treatments?

It is usually difficult to completely cure mesothelioma with just one treatment. Treatment options may vary depending on the type of mesothelioma you have. Possible treatment options include:

• Surgery: This may include surgeries such as extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) (removal of the lung, pleura, and cancer), pleurectomy with decortication ( removal of the pleura and cancer), cytoreduction (surgery to reduce the size of cancer cells), or pericardiectomy (removal of the sac around the heart).
• Immunotherapy: These treatments train your own immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Doctors usually give chemotherapy drugs through a vein (IV). These drugs travel through the bloodstream and kill cancer cells. Some chemotherapy treatments, such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) , are also given directly to the tumor.
• Targeted therapies: If your cancer cells have certain genetic changes, there may be targeted therapies that can treat them.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells.
• Clinical trials: Your doctor may also recommend clinical trials of drugs that researchers are still testing for effectiveness.
• Palliative care: Your doctor may recommend palliative care to help you manage the symptoms of cancer and the side effects of treatment. This may include things like pain management and methods to remove fluid that builds up around organs.

The most important thing is to talk to your doctor to choose the treatment method that best suits you.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have symptoms like shortness of breath, a persistent cough, or a change in your bowel habits, be sure to see a doctor. While it may seem scary to investigate your symptoms, it's always better to get treatment early than late. Don't worry, talking to a doctor can give you a lot of peace of mind.

Can this be completely avoided? Or can it be cured?

Cancer is rarely completely preventable. However, the risk of developing mesothelioma can be reduced by staying away from asbestos. If you have to work with asbestos or in an environment that contains it, you should take precautions to handle and dispose of it properly.

If you have had a job that exposed you to asbestos in the past, talk to your doctor about whether there are any recommendations for monitoring your health or for any tests.

The survival rate for mesothelioma varies depending on the type you have. For example, the five-year relative survival rate for the most common type, pleural mesothelioma, is between 7% and 24%. In general, peritoneal mesothelioma has a higher survival rate than other types.

But keep in mind, these figures are based on people who were diagnosed at least five years ago. They may not be a complete representation of what you can expect with new treatments or other factors in your specific situation. It's best to ask your doctor about your specific situation.

Is Mesothelioma fatal for everyone?

No, mesothelioma is not fatal for everyone. But it is a serious, fast-spreading cancer. Also, it is rarely caught in its early stages, when it is most treatable.

It is natural to feel a great deal of anxiety and uncertainty when you receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma. It is normal to want to know what lies ahead and what path you will take. Finding support groups and other resources that can help you understand your options can help you. Talk honestly with your doctor about your specific situation, your concerns, and what to expect.

Finally, things to remember

Okay, so, I hope you have gained some understanding about mesothelioma from what we have discussed.

• Remember, this is a rare cancer. However, it is important to seek medical advice if you have any symptoms (especially if you have been exposed to asbestos).
• Asbestos is the main risk factor, so it is essential to follow safety procedures if working in areas where asbestos is present.
• If you experience symptoms, don't panic and see a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes.
• There are a number of treatment options. Your medical team will help you decide which treatment is best for you.
• You are not alone. Support from family, friends, and doctors is invaluable during this difficult time. If necessary, join support groups.

We hope you find this information useful. Stay healthy!

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