Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that is most often caused by exposure to asbestos. There are three known types of mesothelioma, but the most common occurs in the tissue around the lungs. This is called pleural mesothelioma, and it is typically diagnosed in people who inhaled asbestos fibers in the workplace. Mesothelioma can also occur in the abdominal area and very rarely in the tissue around the heart.
There are a number of therapies available that can help prolong survival and minimize symptoms and discomfort, but in most cases mesothelioma is too aggressive and too far advanced at the time of diagnosis to be cured. Specialists provide the most up-to-date care and experienced asbestos lawyers work with patients to seek justice and compensation for the exposure that caused this terrible illness.
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The vast majority of the approximately 3,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed annually can be blamed on asbestos exposure. And most of that exposure occurred on the job. Employees who were put at risk of asbestos-related diseases like this kind of cancer never knew about the dangers until it was too late.
In the decades of the twentieth century leading up to the official regulation asbestos-containing materials, or ACMs, in the 1970s, many companies used asbestos. Some of the kinds of workers who were more likely to be exposed were industrial workers, sailors and shipyard workers, construction laborers and skilled tradesmen, and miners, among many others.
Thanks to the regulations that have banned much of the use of asbestos, exposure to this dangerous mineral is declining. However, people are still getting diagnosed with mesothelioma now because of the cancer's long latency period. Decades can pass between exposure and symptoms that spur a diagnosis.
Medical researchers have made great improvements in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma. They are helping people live longer with it, but it is still an aggressive and deadly type of cancer. There is still no cure for mesothelioma or for other asbestos illnesses.
Difference Between
Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma and lung cancer often get confused or are thought to be the same, but there are key differences. Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that begins in the double layer of tissue around the lungs, called the pleura, while lung cancer develops in actual lung tissue. Each type of cancer also grows differently—mesothelioma develops as small nodules, while lung cancer grows as larger masses.
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos exposure, while lung cancer can have a number of different causes or risk factors. These include smoking, exposure to second-hand smoke, genetics and family history. Asbestos can also be a cause or contributing factor in the development of lung cancer.
Lung cancer has a shorter latency period than mesothelioma. Symptoms of lung cancer can appear within 10 years (sometimes earlier), while it can take up to 50 years for the first signs of mesothelioma to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Lung cancer patients tend to have a higher survival rates after treatment as compared to those with mesothelioma. Studies indicate that several years after treatment, lung cancer patients survival rates are around 10 percent, while mesothelioma survival rates are closer to 4 percent.
The treatment approach used for mesothelioma is also typically different than that for lung cancer. Although patients of both types of cancer may undergo chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, the goals of treatment are often different. Mesothelioma treatment is almost never curative, while lung cancer patients are more likely to choose aggressive therapies that could lead to remission. For advanced mesothelioma, treatment plans are often more palliative, with the goal of making patients more comfortable and relieving symptoms.
What are the
Types of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the mesothelium, a thin layer of double tissue that lines the chest cavity, abdomen, and other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma impact the chest because of the inhalation of asbestos fibers. Rarer are cancers of the peritoneum in the abdomen and the tissue around the heart.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The most common type of asbestos-related cancer is pleural mesothelioma, and it affects the lining of the lungs. About three-quarters of diagnosed cases are of this type, likely because most long-term exposure to asbestos is characterized by inhalation of the fibers. These fibers get embedded in the pleura where they cause tissue damage, which in some people causes mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma causes difficulty breathing, chest pains, coughing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are similar to more common diseases, like pneumonia and bronchitis. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis is common.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
This extremely rare form of asbestos-related cancer occurs in just one percent of all diagnosed cases. The primary tumor in this type of mesothelioma begins in the part of the mesothelium that lines the heart. This is called the pericardium. Because of how close the tumors are to the heart, pericardial mesothelioma is extremely difficult to treat. Only about 200 cases of this type of mesothelioma have ever been described in scientific journals. Symptoms may include chest pains, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, fatigue, and coughing, and as with pleural cancer can be mistaken for other conditions.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for less than 20 percent of all diagnosed cases. This is the type of the cancer that begins in the peritoneum, the lining of tissue around abdominal organs. The fibers inhaled during asbestos exposure may reach this part of the body and trigger cancer by migrating to the abdomen through the lymphatic system. It is also possible that peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by accidentally ingesting the fibers. The early symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, which may show 20 to 50 years after first exposure to asbestos, include abdominal distension, abdominal pain, swelling or tenderness around the abdomen and constipation or diarrhea.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The most common type of asbestos-related cancer is pleural mesothelioma, and it affects the lining of the lungs. About three-quarters of diagnosed cases are of this type, likely because most long-term exposure to asbestos is characterized by inhalation of the fibers. These fibers get embedded in the pleura where they cause tissue damage, which in some people causes mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma causes difficulty breathing, chest pains, coughing, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are similar to more common diseases, like pneumonia and bronchitis. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis is common.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
This extremely rare form of asbestos-related cancer occurs in just one percent of all diagnosed cases. The primary tumor in this type of mesothelioma begins in the part of the mesothelium that lines the heart. This is called the pericardium. Because of how close the tumors are to the heart, pericardial mesothelioma is extremely difficult to treat. Only about 200 cases of this type of mesothelioma have ever been described in scientific journals. Symptoms may include chest pains, difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, fatigue, and coughing, and as with pleural cancer can be mistaken for other conditions.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for less than 20 percent of all diagnosed cases. This is the type of the cancer that begins in the peritoneum, the lining of tissue around abdominal organs. The fibers inhaled during asbestos exposure may reach this part of the body and trigger cancer by migrating to the abdomen through the lymphatic system. It is also possible that peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by accidentally ingesting the fibers. The early symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, which may show 20 to 50 years after first exposure to asbestos, include abdominal distension, abdominal pain, swelling or tenderness around the abdomen and constipation or diarrhea.
What are the
Symptoms of
Mesothelioma?
Pleural Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Early symptoms of all types of mesothelioma tend to be mild and don't cause a lot of concern. They also mimic the symptoms of more common diseases that are less serious, like pneumonia in the case of pleural mesothelioma or irritable bowel syndrome for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.
Only when mesothelioma has advanced to the later stages does it begin to cause more severe symptoms or symptoms that are noticable and that don't seem to go away.
Later stage mesothelioma can cause more universal cancer symptoms like weight loss and fatigue, fever, and persistent pain, swelling, or feelings of fullness.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma
How is
Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Physical Examination
The first step in diagnosing any type of mesothelioma is a thorough physical examination in response to persistent symptoms. The symptoms characteristic of this cancer are not unique to it, so a visit to the doctor is necessary to undergo an examination and to rule out other causes.
A general practitioner or internist can examine the patient and test for certain conditions, while also taking a medical history. In addition to symptoms, known exposure to asbestos is an indicator that mesothelioma may be possible.
Imaging Scans
The next step is usually to have an imaging scan done to look for abnormal tissue or growths. An X-ray can rule out pneumonia, while MRIs and CT scans can provide a more detailed look at soft tissues.
These are usually done to rule out other illnesses or when cancer is suspected. A general doctor will refer any patient suspected of having cancer to an oncologist, or cancer specialist, for a biopsy and more definite diagnosis.
Biopsy
A biopsy involves taking a sample of cells to examine under a microscope and determine if they are cancerous. Often the first test is to drain fluid from the pleural or peritoneal cavities and to examine it for the presence of cancer cells.
If fluid biopsies are inconclusive, imaging scans can be used to guide a needle biopsy of a suspected tumor. This involves removing a small piece of tissue with a long needle. The tissue is then examined by a pathologist to look for abnormal cells.
The Stages of Mesothelioma
It is important not just to diagnose cancer, but to stage it. All kinds of cancers are staged from one through four and this allows doctors to accurately describe how far along the disease has progressed and to provide the best treatment plan.
STAGE 1
Stage one mesothelioma patients have the best odds of survival. During this stage, there may not be any symptoms at all for some people. Others that do experience symptoms may notice coughing, fever, chest pain, breathing difficulties, and a general feeling of fatigue. Stage one patients have several treatment options, including aggressive surgery, and have the best overall prognosis.
STAGE 2
Stage two patients still have some chance of survival or of extending survival time. They typically experience the same symptoms as those in stage one. However, during stage two, the cancerous tumor starts to invade the chest cavity, diaphragm, or the lung. This makes treatment trickier and may begin to limit surgical treatment options.
STAGE 3
When a patient enters stage three of mesothelioma, the cancer has spread more extensively throughout the chest cavity or abdomen, depending on the type. Medical teams are more likely to plan for palliative treatment, which is used to manage pain and help reduce symptoms. Extending survival time is difficult but possible. During stage 3 prognosis is generally negative, and most patients will experience severe chest pain, weight loss, night sweats, coughing, and fatigue.
STAGE 4
Stage four, the final stage of mesothelioma, occurs when the cancer has metastasized, or spread to distant parts of the body. There are limited treatment options at this stage, and most strategies are designed to keep the patient comfortable and to extend life expectancy, if possible or if the patient chooses.
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How involved is
Mesothelioma Treatment?
Treatment for mesothelioma varies and depends on the needs and limitations of each patient as well as the type and stage of the cancer. The more aggressive the treatment, the longer a patient's life expectancy will be, and only in rare cases is treatment able to cure mesothelioma. Because this cancer is aggressive and often diagnosed in the later stages, treatment option may be limited. They most often include some combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Surgery Treatment
The goal of surgical treatment for mesothelioma is to remove as much of the tumors as is safe and possible. Surgery is often combined with chemotherapy and radiation to eliminate those cancer cells that the surgeon could not reach after surgery or before surgery to shrink tumors and make them easier to excise. Not all patients are eligible for surgery, but for those who are it may extend life expectancy, improve quality of life, or even lead to remission.
Chemotherapy
This is the most common treatment used for patients with mesothelioma, chemotherapy uses drugs that target and destroy fast-growing cells. These drugs are usually administered intravenously. They circulate through the body and collect in cancer cells and tumors. A newer treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma uses a heated solution of chemotherapy drugs circulated only in the abdominal cavity. Chemotherapy is often used after surgical treatment to destroy remaining cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy beams of particles to target and destroy tumors and cancer cells. The traditional way of administering radiation is externally, by aiming the beam at the location of the tumor. This requires penetrating and damaging healthy tissue. To minimize that damage and to target tumors more directly some patients may be able to undergo internal radiation therapy. Radiation is usually used in conjunction with chemotherapy and surgical treatments.
The goal of surgical treatment for mesothelioma is to remove as much of the tumors as is safe and possible. Surgery is often combined with chemotherapy and radiation to eliminate those cancer cells that the surgeon could not reach after surgery or before surgery to shrink tumors and make them easier to excise. Not all patients are eligible for surgery, but for those who are it may extend life expectancy, improve quality of life, or even lead to remission.
This is the most common treatment used for patients with mesothelioma, chemotherapy uses drugs that target and destroy fast-growing cells. These drugs are usually administered intravenously. They circulate through the body and collect in cancer cells and tumors. A newer treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma uses a heated solution of chemotherapy drugs circulated only in the abdominal cavity. Chemotherapy is often used after surgical treatment to destroy remaining cancer cells.
Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy beams of particles to target and destroy tumors and cancer cells. The traditional way of administering radiation is externally, by aiming the beam at the location of the tumor. This requires penetrating and damaging healthy tissue. To minimize that damage and to target tumors more directly some patients may be able to undergo internal radiation therapy. Radiation is usually used in conjunction with chemotherapy and surgical treatments.
Some patients also benefit from complementary treatments in addition to these traditional ones. Acupuncture, massage therapy, diet and nutrition, yoga and meditation, and even gentle exercise can help relieve pain, restore energy, and relieve stress and anxiety.
Diet also plays a huge role in the treatment process. In fact, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy diet while undergoing treatment. This can be difficult when chemotherapy leaves you nauseated, making it difficult to eat or drink. However, to avoid medical conditions such as anorexia and cachexia, you need proper nutrition so that your body can maintain the correct weight while boosting your strength.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), cancer patients should eat foods that consist of green, leafy vegetables (preferably uncooked), foods with high amounts of calcium, iron, and vitamin B, lean meats and poultry, seafood, nuts, and dairy. If you find it too difficult to maintain a proper diet while going through treatment, talk to your physician about taking supplements.
What is the
Prognosis for Mesothelioma Patients?
The given prognosis for any individual is largely based on the stage of the cancer, but it also depends on a person's age and overall health. The earlier a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma, the better the prognosis is likely to be. Younger patients in better health may also have a more positive prognosis.
Statistics collected by researchers help give a general picture of survival time for patients with a mesothelioma diagnosis. The average survival time fis 18 months after diagnosis. Those odds are tough to beat, but some patients survive longer by benefitting from the best treatments and specialists and from having been diagnosed early.
A prognosis also depends on the type of mesothelioma. Peritoneal patients have better survival rates than those with pleural mesothelioma. One reason may be an advanced treatment called HIPEC, which uses heated chemotherapy drugs in the abdomen to treat peritoneal cancer.
The best prognosis for pleural mesothelioma patients is given when surgery is a treatment option. Aggressive surgeries like pleurectomy/decortication or extrapleural pneumonectomy, which remove a substantial amount of lung tissue, can extend life significantly but are also risky. Not all patients qualify, depending on overall health and the extent of the cancer's spread.
How do I find
the Best Doctor?
The best place to start when you experience symptoms is with your family doctor or general practitioner. He or she can eliminate other illnesses and help you select specialists. But don't hesitate to seek a second opinion if you are unsure your doctor's evaluation is correct.
If you do get diagnosed with mesothelioma, look for a specialist in this field. It is a rare type of cancer and even an oncologist specializing in cancer may never have had a patient with it. A mesothelioma specialist can provide the best care and typically works with other specialists, like surgeons and radiologists.
Find A Doctor Near You
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How do I find the best
Treatment Facility?
Many specialists in mesothelioma work as part of a multi-disciplinary team at a specialty treatment center. These may be focused on cancer generally, but some specialize specifically in mesothelioma diagnosis, treatment, and research.
Accessing a specialty treatment center may require travel, but it is the best way to ensure you get the highest quality care and the most cutting-edge treatments. If at all possible, choose a facility that specializes in mesothelioma as soon as you get a diagnosis or if you suspect you may have this kind of cancer.
A good place to start your search is with the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NCI has named several facilities throughout the country as Designated Cancer Centers, many of which employ mesothelioma specialists.
Find A Treatment Center Near You
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Are there
Clinical Trials for Mesothelioma?
Designated Cancer Centers and other mesothelioma specialty facilities are likely to have access to clinical trials. These are studies with patients and unapproved medications or other therapies. For an aggressive cancer like mesothelioma, with no cure, clinical trials can be a ray of hope for patients. Your specialist can help you determine if you are eligible for any trials.
What are my options
Paying For Mesothelioma Treatment?
Treatment for mesothelioma can be extremely expensive, and as a result, it is essential that anybody who has been impacted by the disease avail themselves of all resources, including financial and legal avenues. In many cases, the treatment that may be best for your particular case may not be fully funded by your insurance coverage, and for those patients without medical insurance the financial impact can be even more devastating.
Alternatives to relying on insurance to pay for treatment include funding from nonprofit advocacy groups and charities. Patients can also consider lawsuits, settlements, and trust funds set up by employers who exposed them to asbestos in the workplace.
What is the
Mesothelioma Trust Fund?
Mesothelioma or asbestos trust funds are financial resources for people who got sick after being exposed to asbestos on the job. They have been established by corporations found responsible for asbestos injuries to their employees and to others.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and are not sure where you may have been exposed, it was likely on the job. You may qualify for compensation from an established trust fund.
Getting Benefits for
Veterans with Mesothelioma
Asbestos in the Navy
Asbestos in the Marine Corps
Asbestos in the Army
Asbestos in the Air Force
Asbestos in the Coast Guard
Mesothelioma patients who were exposed to asbestos as a result of service in the United States military may be eligible for benefits to help with expenses. Veterans are a special group at risk for mesothelioma because of heavy use of asbestos in barracks, equipment, vehicles, ands hips. Asbestos use in the military peaked between 1935 and 1975 and was most common in the U.S. Navy. Many veterans die every year from exposure to asbestos.
Veterans with an honorable discharge and who were exposed to asbestos during service have access to VA benefits if that exposure resulted in disease. Veterans may be able to access disability compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation, and health care.
Applying for VA benefits can be complicated and confusing. It's strongly recommended that you rely on an experienced attorney for guidance through the process. You may also be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of the asbestos-containing materials you used during your service.
Asbestos in the Navy
Asbestos in the Marine Corps
Asbestos in the Army
Asbestos in the Air Force
Asbestos in the Coast Guard
How Do I Find the
Best Mesothelioma Lawyer?
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, treatment is your top priority, but you may also need financial assistance. Your options include filing a lawsuit and filing a claim with an asbestos trust. Compensation from either source can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, travel costs for treatment, and other expenses.
When employers and manufacturers failed to notify workers of asbestos risks and protect them from exposure, they became liable for resulting illnesses. A good, experienced lawyer can help you determine your rights and what legal steps you can take to seek compensation.
Finding the right lawyer isn't difficult. You need someone with experience and compassion. Look for an attorney or law firm with experience handling asbestos cases and winning compensation for victims. Ask questions and for evidence of past wins before hiring a lawyer. And above all, be sure you feel comfortable working with the lawyer you choose and that he or she will devote time and effort to your case.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, treatment is your top priority, but you may also need financial assistance. Your options include filing a lawsuit and filing a claim with an asbestos trust. Compensation from either source can help cover medical expenses, lost wages, travel costs for treatment, and other expenses.
When employers and manufacturers failed to notify workers of asbestos risks and protect them from exposure, they became liable for resulting illnesses. A good, experienced lawyer can help you determine your rights and what legal steps you can take to seek compensation.
Finding the right lawyer isn't difficult. You need someone with experience and compassion. Look for an attorney or law firm with experience handling asbestos cases and winning compensation for victims. Ask questions and for evidence of past wins before hiring a lawyer. And above all, be sure you feel comfortable working with the lawyer you choose and that he or she will devote time and effort to your case.
Most people undergoing expensive mesothelioma treatments aren’t in the position to hire a high-priced mesothelioma attorney. But, what many patients don't realize is that reputable, experienced lawyers in these kinds of cases never charge anything up front.
Instead, they work with you on a contingency-based payment plan. A contingency payment plan means that you pay nothing at all until you win your case. Once you win your case, your lawyer takes a certain percentage of your compensation.
Be sure to do your research on lawyer fees before retaining legal help. Lawyer fees vary, so to avoid any surprises after you’ve won your case, make sure you understand exactly what an attorney charges before deciding on which one is right for you.
In most cases, mesothelioma lawsuits end in a settlement rather than going to court and a trial. Your attorney will investigate and sort out the details of your case, provide proof of your injuries to the defense, and help negotiate a settlement amount on your behalf. Only if an agreement cannot be reached by both sides will your case go to trial.
In rare instances when both parties can’t agree on a settlement, the case will go to trial. If you feel too weak or ill to stand trial, accommodations are possible. For example, some plaintiffs have given their testimony via video from the comfort of their home. Most of the hard work in a trial is done by your legal team. They will make your case on your behalf in front of a judge and jury.
Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
Most people undergoing expensive mesothelioma treatments aren’t in the position to hire a high-priced mesothelioma attorney. But, what many patients don't realize is that reputable, experienced lawyers in these kinds of cases never charge anything up front.
Instead, they work with you on a contingency-based payment plan. A contingency payment plan means that you pay nothing at all until you win your case. Once you win your case, your lawyer takes a certain percentage of your compensation.
Be sure to do your research on lawyer fees before retaining legal help. Lawyer fees vary, so to avoid any surprises after you’ve won your case, make sure you understand exactly what an attorney charges before deciding on which one is right for you.
Will I Go to Trial?
In most cases, mesothelioma lawsuits end in a settlement rather than going to court and a trial. Your attorney will investigate and sort out the details of your case, provide proof of your injuries to the defense, and help negotiate a settlement amount on your behalf. Only if an agreement cannot be reached by both sides will your case go to trial.
In rare instances when both parties can’t agree on a settlement, the case will go to trial. If you feel too weak or ill to stand trial, accommodations are possible. For example, some plaintiffs have given their testimony via video from the comfort of their home. Most of the hard work in a trial is done by your legal team. They will make your case on your behalf in front of a judge and jury.
Page edited by Dave Foster
Where can I
Get Additional Help?
FREE Mesothelioma Packet includes:
- New Treatment Options
- Veteran‘s Benefits & Claims
- $30 Billion Asbestos Trust Fund Information
Where can I
Get Additional Help?
For over 15 years, we’ve provided the best FREE resources to mesothelioma patients and loved ones. Our resources include information on the leading treatment options and best doctors in your area; lessons learned from survivors; claims and benefits specifically for Veterans; and how to access your share of billions of dollars in trust fund money.
FREE Mesothelioma Packet includes:
- New Treatment Options
- Veteran‘s Benefits & Claims
- $30 Billion Asbestos Trust Fund Information