Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Symptoms

2011-10-04T01:58:00.000-07:00

When cancer begins in the membrane that surrounds the lungs, mesothelioma symptoms may include shortness of breath and pain in the chest or under the ribcage. If the cancer starts in the mesothelial tissue covering the organs in the abdominal cavity, symptoms such as weight loss and abdominal pain may develop. Sometimes, signs and symptoms will not appear until 30 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms: An Overview

Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor that begins within the mesothelium, a protective lining surrounding most of the organs in the body. Most mesotheliomas begin within the pleura (the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity) or the peritoneum (the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity). Mesothelioma symptoms will vary, depending on where the tumor is located.

Pleural Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms are usually due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura. These symptoms often include:

Shortness of breath

Pain in the chest or under the ribcage.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Peritoneal symptoms of mesothelioma may include:

Weight loss

Lumps in the abdomen

Abdominal (stomach) pain

Abdominal swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (stomach).

Other symptoms may also include:

Bowel obstruction

Blood-clotting abnormalities

Anemia

Fever.

Metastatic Mesothelioma Symptoms

If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include:

Pain

Trouble swallowing

Swelling of the neck or face.

Asbestos Exposure and Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Up to 90 percent of malignant mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. The risk for developing mesothelioma in those with heavy asbestos exposure is 7 to 10 percent. However, symptoms may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma Symptoms: Final Thoughts

The possible symptoms of mesothelioma described in this article are not sure signs of the disease. Other more common, less serious conditions can cause similar symptoms. If you are experiencing any possible mesothelioma symptoms, visit your healthcare provider so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated.

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Mesothelioma Diagnosis

2011-09-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

Making a diagnosis of mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms seen with this disease are similar to those of many other medical conditions. In order to make a diagnosis, a doctor will review the patient's medical history, conduct a physical exam, and recommend specific tests and procedures to confirm the diagnosis. Some of these tests and procedures may include CT scans, biopsy, and surgery.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis: An Overview
Making a mesothelioma diagnosis is often difficult because mesothelioma symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions.

In order to make a diagnosis of mesothelioma, the healthcare provider will begin with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. He or she will then perform a complete physical examination to look for signs or symptoms of mesothelioma. The doctor may also order some preliminary tests to rule out other, more common conditions. These tests can include x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests.

Tests and Procedures
If the doctor suspects mesothelioma after the history and physical exam, he or she may order a number of tests to help make a diagnosis.

Some of these tests include:

CT Scan
MRI
Biopsy
Thoracoscopy
Peritoneoscopy
Surgery.

CT Scan/MRI
A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful in making a diagnosis. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

Biopsy
A biopsy is needed to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be performed in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located.

Thoracoscopy
If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples.

Peritoneoscopy
If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity.

Surgery
If these procedures do not yield enough tissue to make a diagnosis, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Staging
If the doctor makes a diagnosis of mesothelioma, he or she will want to determine the mesothelioma stage.

Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to learn whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan mesothelioma treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

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Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

2011-09-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare disease in which cancer cells develop in the protective sac covering the lungs. The main risk factor for this condition is exposure to asbestos. Possible signs include shortness of breath and pain under the rib cage. It can be difficult to distinguish between malignant pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer, so it may be necessary to examine the inside of the chest to confirm the diagnosis.

What Is Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the mesothelium, which is a type of protective sac that covers internal organs. Most cases begin in the pleura (lining around the lungs) or peritoneum (the lining around the abdomen).

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a type of mesothelioma in which cancer cells begin to grow in the pleura. Most people who develop this condition have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.

Risk Factors for the Condition
Being exposed to asbestos can affect the risk of developing malignant pleural mesothelioma. Many people with the disease have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. After asbestos exposure, it usually takes a long time for symptoms of the condition to occur.

Other risk factors for malignant pleural mesothelioma include:

Living with a person who works near asbestos
Being exposed to a certain virus.

Symptoms of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma symptoms usually result from an accumulation of fluid in the pleura. These symptoms often consist of:

Shortness of breath
Pain in the chest or under the ribcage.

Keep in mind that other more common, less serious conditions can cause similar symptoms. Therefore, if you are experiencing any possible symptoms, visit your healthcare provider so that the problem can be properly diagnosed and treated.

How Is It Diagnosed?
Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between malignant pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer, so tests are performed to examine the inside of the chest to accurately diagnose the condition.

The following tests and procedures may be used:

Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the person's health habits, exposure to asbestos, past illnesses, and treatments will also be taken.

Chest x-ray: An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.

Complete blood count (CBC): A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the following:

The number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
The amount of hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) in the red blood cells
The portion of the blood sample made up of red blood cells.

Sedimentation rate: A procedure in which a sample of blood is drawn and checked for the rate at which the red blood cells settle to the bottom of the test tube.

Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues from the pleura so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Procedures used to collect the cells or tissues include the following:

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: The removal of part of a lump, suspicious tissue, or fluid, using a thin needle. This procedure is also called a needle biopsy.

Thoracoscopy: An incision (cut) is made between two ribs, and a thoracoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted into the chest.

Peritoneoscopy: An incision is made in the abdominal wall and a peritoneoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted into the abdomen.

Laparotomy: An incision is made in the wall of the abdomen (stomach) to check the inside of the abdomen for signs of disease.

Thoracotomy: An incision is made between two ribs to check inside the chest for signs of disease.

Bronchoscopy: A procedure to look inside the trachea and large airways in the lung for abnormal areas. A bronchoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea and lungs. Tissue samples may be taken for biopsy.

Cytologic exam: An examination of cells under a microscope by a pathologist to check for anything abnormal. When checking for malignant pleural mesothelioma, fluid is taken from around the lungs. A pathologist checks the cells in the fluid.

After a malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, additional tests will be performed in order to determine the stage of the cancer.

Treatment Options
Treatment options for malignant pleural mesothelioma may include:

Surgery (see Mesothelioma Surgery)
Radiation therapy (see Mesothelioma Radiation)
Chemotherapy (see Mesothelioma Chemotherapy).

Key Facts on Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
The following is a summary of key points to keep in mind about malignant pleural mesothelioma:

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the lining of the chest
Being exposed to asbestos can affect the risk of developing this disease
Possible signs include shortness of breath and pain under the ribcage
Tests that examine the inside of the chest are used to find and diagnose malignant pleural mesothelioma
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options (see Mesothelioma Survival Rate).

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Mesothelioma

2011-09-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer affecting the mesothelium, which is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. In most cases, it begins in the pleura (the lining around the lungs) or peritoneum (the lining around the abdomen). The cancer is typically caused by asbestos exposure. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 to 80 percent of all cases of the disease. Standard treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the mesothelium, which is a membrane that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura (lining around the lungs) or peritoneum (the lining around the abdomen).

Benign mesothelioma can also be called a fibroma, and cancerous mesothelioma is also known as malignant mesothelioma. A mesothelioma can further be named based on where it occurs. For example, malignant pleural mesothelioma is cancer that begins in the lining around the lungs.

Most people who develop malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. A benign mesothelioma does not appear to have any relationship to asbestos exposure.

Understanding the Mesothelium
The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: one layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.

The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity, while the pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis, and the tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

Risk Factors for Mesothelioma
Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.

Smoking does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases a person's risk of developing lung cancer (see Causes of Lung Cancer).

Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s; its use greatly increased during World War II. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust.

If tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.

Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were unknown. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among:

Shipyard workers
People who work in asbestos mines and mills
Producers of asbestos products
Workers in the heating and construction industries
Other tradespeople.

Today, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases.

Symptoms and Diagnosis
For more about mesothelioma symptoms, click on the full eMedTV article about Mesothelioma Symptoms.

To find out more about making a mesothelioma diagnosis, click on the full eMedTV article about Mesothelioma Diagnosis.

How Is It Treated?
Treatment for mesothelioma depends on:

The location of the cancer
The stage of the disease
The patient's age and general health.

Standard mesothelioma treatment options include:

Surgery
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy.

Sometimes, all three treatment methods are combined.

(Click Mesothelioma Treatment for more information.)

Statistics on Mesothelioma
Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but mesothelioma can appear in either men or women at any age.

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