Expert Explains Mesothelial Cancer, The Deadliest Of All

https://www.boldsky.com/health/what-is-mesothelial-cancer-causes-symptoms-risks-and-treatment-145117.html

Mesothelial Cancer - The Deadliest Of All

Mesothelial cancer, or mesothelioma, is a cancer of the body tissues that cover the organs. The mesothelium is a layer of tissues that lines and protects almost all major organs in the body. Cancer involving these tissues is aggressive and difficult to control. This kind of cancer can develop in the tissue lining of the heart, stomach, testicles, or lungs. With treatment, the average life expectancy for mesothelioma is 12 to 21 months (it can rarely go up to 5 years). It's essential to consult a mesothelioma specialist to get a personalized treatment plan that includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and new therapies that improve survival.

Mesothelioma symptoms

The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on its site of origin. But you and your family have to be watchful of these symptoms for an early diagnosis. To discuss a few of them:

1. Pleural mesothelioma

In pleural mesothelioma, the membranous tissue called pleura that encircles the chest cavity and the lungs is affected. It is the most prevalent form, encompassing 80% of the cases.

This type frequently begins with symptoms like chest pain and a chronic cough. Later on, lumps could develop under the skin of the chest. Patients frequently have trouble breathing, get tired easily, and naturally lose weight.

1. Peritoneal mesothelioma

This form starts in the peritoneum, the tissue lining the abdominal cavity's organs. The second-most common type of mesothelioma, it accounts for 15 to 20% of all cases.

The first signs of tumour growth are stomach pain and bloating in the abdomen. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Unexpected weight loss and abdominal lumps

1. Pericardial mesothelioma

The tissue sac that covers the heart, known as the pericardium, is where pericardial mesothelioma develops. Pericardial mesothelioma accounts for only 1% of all cases.

Shortness of breath, coughing, or palpitations are some of the signs and symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma. Heart murmurs are added signs.

1. Testicular mesothelioma

There have only been a few hundred diagnosed cases, making it the rarest type. Because this cancer is rare, it can be challenging to identify its symptoms, which are often wrongly diagnosed as a hernia. Patients most frequently experience painless lumps on the scrotum.

Mesothelioma causes

The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos.

A couple of decades ago, real estate was heavily based on asbestos. This miracle material is heat resistant and a heat insulator, making it ideal for ceilings, pipes, and furnishings. A fresh sheet of asbestos isn’t harmful; wear and tear of asbestos over time produce minute particles in the air that are easily inhaled by the occupants of a building.

These particles take years to form a thick layer over the linings of the organs. These foreign bodies interfere with cell growth, inducing cancerous mutations. The cells of the mesothelium divide profusely, causing tumours and poor functioning of the involved organs.

Why is mesothelial cancer deadly?

The fact that mesothelioma can go undetected for decades is precisely why it is regarded as being so deadly. The symptoms begin to occur only when the cancer has spread considerably.

Mesothelioma curbs the strength of those who are affected by it, frequently leaving the patient bedridden, unable to do almost anything, and in excruciating pain.

What to do if you have mesothelial cancer?

The first step in mesothelioma treatment is an accurate diagnosis from a specialist. Patients who exhibit mesothelioma symptoms are advised to have a physical examination by their doctor, which includes a thorough history as well.

• Following this, blood tests are done. CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans are also recommended to view the tumour.

• If imaging scans show a mass or tumour in the chest or abdomen that may be cancerous, a biopsy will likely be recommended by the doctor. This confirms the diagnosis and aids in cancer staging.

Treatment options for mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to treat, even if it is discovered early. Tumours multiply and spread quickly to neighbouring tissues. Before beginning treatment, several variables must be taken into account, including the patient's age, general health, type, stage, and location of the cancer, as well as the underlying cause.

The treatment does not cure the disease; it only slows down the progress. To discuss the options:

• Surgery

• Radiation

• Chemotherapy

• Targeted therapy

Targeted therapies are the newest forms of treatment. It involves immunotherapy, or the boosting of the cancer-fighting immune cells.

Nivolumab (Opdivo®) and ipilimumab (Yervoy®), two immunotherapy medications, are combined in one of the most notable new mesothelioma treatment options. The Food and Drug Administration approved the use of this treatment combination for pleural mesothelioma in the general population in October 2020 after clinical trials demonstrated its efficacy in treating the disease.

Furthermore, a combination of two other immunotherapy drugs, atezolizumab (Tecentriq®) and bevacizumab (Avastin®), was recently reported to be effective in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma.

New mesothelioma therapies being tested in clinical trials include:

• Anti-angiogenesis

• Gene therapy

• Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

Key-takeaway

Living with mesothelioma can be difficult, which is why family and clinicians are required to support you through every step of the procedure. You must speak with a skilled mesothelioma specialist as soon as possible to learn about the most recent treatment options, if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma after having been exposed to asbestos at some point in your life.