Mesothelioma: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options Explained

Mesothelioma Guide: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options

The word "mesothelioma" can feel overwhelming. Most people hear it and think of a cancer with limited options. But modern care has changed the story.

Today, oncologists approach mesothelioma with personalised treatment. They aim to treat the disease while preserving quality of life. From recognising early symptoms to exploring the latest treatments, there’s more hope and clarity than ever before.

What is mesothelioma lung cancer?

When it comes to mesothelioma meaning, know that it’s a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue called the mesothelium.

It’s the protective lining that covers most internal organs. It most commonly affects the lining of the lungs. But it can also occur in the abdomen, heart, or even the testicles.

4 types of mesothelioma

Just as every patient’s journey with cancer is unique, so are the ways mesothelioma can appear in the body. Understanding the types of mesothelioma is important in designing a treatment plan.

1. Pleural mesothelioma

2. Peritoneal mesothelioma

It can develop after asbestos fibres are swallowed or transported from the lungs through the lymphatic system. Patients may experience bloating, abdominal pain, fluid accumulation, or digestive changes.

3. Pericardial & rare types

Pericardial mesothelioma is extremely rare. It develops in the lining around the heart. This cancer type can cause mesothelioma symptoms like chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or fatigue, often mistaken for heart disease.

4. Mesothelioma histology variants

Oncologists study how the cancer cells look under a microscope, known as histology. There are three main variants:

1. 1. Epithelioid:The most common and treatable type, where cells cluster closely and generally respond better to therapy for a favourable prognosis.
2. 2. Sarcomatoid:A more aggressive form with spindle-shaped cells that spread quickly.
3. 3. Biphasic:A combination of both, where mesothelioma cancer treatment depends on which cell type dominates.

Symptoms of mesothelioma

Every patient’s cancer journey is unique. Hence, mesothelioma also shows up differently depending on where it develops.

Common signs

The symptoms can vary from patient to patient; here are some warning signs of mesothelioma:

• Persistent shortness of breath or wheezing
• Chest or abdominal pain that doesn’t go away
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or general weakness
• Fever or night sweats
• Swelling in the abdomen or face

• •Pleural mesothelioma (around the lungs):
  The signs often mimic respiratory diseases. Thus, patients may experience coughing, tightness in the chest, and difficulty breathing.
• •Peritoneal mesothelioma (in the abdomen):
  The symptoms tend to appear as bloating, nausea, or changes in bowel habits
• •Pericardial mesothelioma (around the heart)
  Patients might experience chest discomfort, irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath during activity.

Some of these often overlap with lung cancer symptoms.

Effects of Mesothelioma on the body

As the mesothelioma cancer grows, fluid may build up in the chest or abdomen, making it harder to breathe or eat comfortably.

Mesothelioma cancer causes and risk factors

Of all the mesothelioma causes, asbestos stands as the main culprit. However, the following factors also contribute to and increase the risk of disease progression.

Main cause: asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral valued for its heat resistance and durability. It’s used in construction and manufacturing. When disturbed, it releases tiny fibres into the air, which, when inhaled or swallowed, can settle in the pleura or peritoneum.

Additional risk factors (genetics, radiation)

While asbestos is responsible for most cases, other factors can also play a role:

• •Genetic predisposition:
  Some people may carry inherited mutations (such as BAP1 gene mutations) that make their cells more vulnerable to asbestos-related damage.
• •Radiation exposure:
  Previous radiation treatments to the chest or abdomen can slightly increase the risk of developing mesothelioma later in life.
• •Occupational and secondary exposure:
  Family members of asbestos workers may also face danger from fibres carried home on clothing or skin.

Complications

As mesothelioma progresses, it can lead to severe body-wide complications, including:​

• Pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs).
• Pericardial effusion affecting heart function.
• Intestinal obstruction in peritoneal cases.
• Mesothelioma metastasis in the spine, liver, or bones.
• Cachexia (muscle wasting) and severe fatigue.
• Blood clots due to circulatory impairment.

Diagnosis & tests

• •Physical exam:
  Your oncologist will ask about your symptoms, work history, and possible asbestos exposure to determine the need for a mesothelioma test.
• •Imaging scans:
  If cancer is suspected, imaging tests are done like X-ray, CT scan , PET scan, and MRI scan. They help locate tumours and fluid.
• •Biopsy:
  If imaging shows abnormal tissue, a biopsy is performed. A small sample of tissue or fluid is removed and examined under a microscope.
• •Blood tests:
  Biomarkers like mesothelin or fibulin-3 are checked for malignant pleural mesothelioma. However, these biomarkers aren’t used for lung cancer treatment.

Stages & prognosis

Mesothelioma progresses through distinct stages, each reflecting how far the cancer has spread.

Stages of mesothelioma cancer

Mesothelioma is classified into the following four stages:

• •Stage 1:
  Cancer is localised to one area, often around one lung or the abdomen.
• •Stage 2
  The tumour spreads to nearby tissues or lymph nodes but remains on one side of the body.
• •Stage 3:
  Cancer extends deeper into surrounding organs.
• •Stage 4:
  The disease spreads to distant organs like the liver or bones

Mesothelioma survival rates & life expectancy

Mesothelioma life expectancy varies depending on type, stage, and treatment response:

How to treat mesothelioma: Available options

Mesothelioma cancer treatment depends on the stage at which it is detected. Here are the available options:

• •Surgery:
  It includes options like pleurectomy/decortication, extrapleural, cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC chemotherapy.
• •Chemotherapy :
  Uses drugs like cisplatin and pemetrexed to shrink tumours or slow the spread.
• •Radiation therapy:
  Targets cancer cells with high-energy rays to reduce pain and prevent recurrence.
• •Immunotherapy :
  Boosts the immune system to fight cancer and often shows promising results in advanced stages.
• •Hormone therapy :
  It slows or stops cancer growth by adding, blocking, or removing hormones that certain cancers need to grow.

Common surgeries for mesothelioma treatment

• •Pneumonectomy:
  Removal of one lung in advanced pleural cases.
• •Pericardiectomy
  Surgery for rare heart-lining mesothelioma.
• •Cytoreduction:
  Tumour removal for peritoneal mesothelioma

Mesothelioma treatment costs in India

Let’s have a look at the mesothelioma treatment cost and options available in India:

Prevention

The right care makes a real difference