What is mesothelioma? It is a cancer that begins in the mesothelium, the thin tissue lining certain internal organs and body cavities. Most cases affect the lining around the lungs and are linked to asbestos exposure, often decades earlier. Mesothelioma is not contagious.
What is mesothelioma and where does it develop?
The mesothelium is a layer of cells that covers and protects organs. Mesothelioma develops when some of these cells become cancerous and grow abnormally. The disease may form in several places:
- Pleural mesothelioma starts in the lining around the lungs and is the most common type.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma begins in the lining of the abdomen.
- Pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining around the heart and is rare.
- Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis develops in the lining around the testicles and is also rare.
Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer, which begins in lung tissue. It is also different from asbestosis, a chronic lung disease caused by asbestos that is not cancer. The type and location of mesothelioma help guide diagnosis and treatment.
How asbestos exposure is linked to mesothelioma
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals whose fibers were used in many building materials and industrial products. Health authorities identify asbestos exposure as the main established cause of mesothelioma. When fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can lodge in tissue and contribute to cell damage over time.
Risk is associated with exposure at work, including in some construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing and maintenance jobs. People may also encounter fibers through damaged asbestos containing materials in older buildings, or through fibers brought home on work clothes. The presence of asbestos in a building does not by itself mean that someone has been exposed: risk depends in part on whether fibers are released and breathed in.
Mesothelioma usually develops many years after exposure. A history of exposure is important to tell a clinician, but it cannot by itself confirm the disease. Not everyone exposed to asbestos develops mesothelioma, and a person may not know of any exposure. The reasons some exposed people develop the cancer while others do not are not fully understood.
Symptoms and how mesothelioma is diagnosed
Symptoms can be vague and may resemble those of more common conditions. They vary according to where the cancer develops. Pleural mesothelioma may cause shortness of breath, chest discomfort, a persistent cough or fluid around the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause abdominal swelling or pain, nausea, changes in bowel habits or unexplained weight loss. These symptoms can have many causes, so they do not establish a diagnosis on their own.
To investigate possible mesothelioma, clinicians may ask about symptoms and past work or household exposure, perform a physical examination, and use imaging such as a chest X ray, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Imaging can show areas that need closer assessment, but it cannot always determine whether they are mesothelioma.
A biopsy, the removal of a small tissue sample for examination, is generally needed to confirm the diagnosis. A specialist looks at the cells and may use laboratory tests to distinguish mesothelioma from other cancers. Further tests help determine the extent, or stage, of the disease and whether it has spread. If symptoms or a possible exposure concern you, discuss them with a health professional rather than trying to diagnose the condition yourself.
Treatment, prevention and the outlook
Treatment depends on the mesothelioma type and location, how far it has grown, and the person’s overall health and preferences. A care team may include cancer specialists, surgeons and other clinicians. Options can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy, which uses the immune system to help fight cancer. Some people receive a combination of treatments. Care may aim to remove or control the cancer, ease symptoms, or both.
Ask the care team to explain the likely benefits and possible side effects of each option, and whether a clinical trial is appropriate. A clinical trial is a research study that evaluates a medical approach. No treatment works for everyone, and outcomes vary. Some people live with controlled disease for a period, while others may need care focused on comfort and symptom relief.
Preventing exposure is the main way to reduce asbestos related risk. Do not cut, drill, sand or remove material that may contain asbestos. If work on a building could disturb it, use qualified professionals who follow applicable safety rules. Workers should follow workplace protections and avoid carrying dust home on clothing or equipment. Because mesothelioma can take many years to appear, what remains uncertain is whether any individual with a past exposure will ever develop the disease; a clinician can help assess concerns and symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can mesothelioma?
Yes. Mesothelioma can develop in the lining around the lungs, abdomen, heart or testicles. The lung lining is the most common site.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that starts in the mesothelium, the tissue lining certain organs and body cavities. Most cases are linked to asbestos exposure.
Can mesothelioma spread?
Yes. Mesothelioma can grow into nearby tissue and may spread to other parts of the body. It does not spread from person to person.
Can mesothelioma be cured?
A cure is not possible for everyone, and treatment outcomes vary. Treatment may control the cancer or relieve symptoms, depending on the person’s situation.
Can mesothelioma be benign?
Mesothelioma usually refers to a cancer. The term benign mesothelioma has been used for uncommon noncancerous growths in mesothelial tissue, but a specialist must assess the tissue to clarify what a growth is.