Most tumors that are found early can be removed by surgery. If a tumor is benign, that means it is incapable of spreading and removal of the tumor should remove any problems. However, if a tumor is malignant, that means it can create cells that spread throughout the body, spreading the cancer. Mesothelioma is a malignant cancer. When it begins to spread to other parts of the body, it ca be said to be metastatic.
All malignant tumors have the capability of becoming metastatic. Unfortunately, because of the long incubation time of Mesothelioma and the indefinite symptoms, often Mesothelioma is already metastatic when it is diagnosed. The only factor that differentiates Mesothelioma from other cancers, or even other less serious diseases with similar symptoms, is that it is caused by exposure to asbestos.
Symptoms, Cause, and Diagnosis
The symptoms of Mesothelioma are often misdiagnosed as common diseases, such as cough, cold, or other infectious diseases, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, or chronic acid reflux. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, sensation of pressure in the chest, blood in sputum (spit created when coughing), and sometimes digestive issues. Symptoms vary depending on where the tumors are, which organ lining is affected, and how far along the cancer has progressed.
To help your doctor to accurately diagnose whatever disease you suffer from, it is important to report any and all symptoms, even those that seem unrelated to each other. Writing down your symptoms, their frequency, timing in relation to meals and exercise, and duration of each occurrence, will help your doctor identify the proper treatment or further tests.
Most importantly for the diagnosis of Mesothelioma is any exposure to asbestos, which is most common on building sites where it is used as insulation. Asbestos is also used in products that are fire retardant or fireproof, in brake pads, and in building materials. Any exposure may result in Mesothelioma, so be sure to tell your doctor if you suspect you have been exposed.
If your doctor suspects you may have Mesothelioma, the only way to confirm will be to have a chest x-ray and CT scan, which will show any abnormal growths. If a growth is identified, your doctor may order a biopsy. This is when a small sample of the tumor tissue is collected and tested in a lab. A biopsy is the only accurate way to diagnose Mesothelioma with certainty.
Metastatic Progression
Metastasis can be determined with the chest x-ray and/or CT scan taken to help diagnose Mesothelioma. Because diagnosis is often at a late stage, stage III or IV, metastasis is commonly identified at diagnosis. Early detection of a tumor from Mesothelioma can greatly increase the likelihood of a good prognosis, as intervention before metastasis is much more successful in prolonging life.
Unlike other cancers, metastatic Mesothelioma does not often spread to the brain or bones. Instead, the tumors will tend to spread locally, within the chest cavity and lower abdomen. Metastatic cancers often spread via the bloodstream or lymph system. Cancer cells can also travel via the respiratory system, and because Mesothelioma is located near the lungs, it is likely that this is how it spreads.
Treatment of Metastatic Mesothelioma
If Mesothelioma is treated before it metastasizes, interventions may be extreme but effective. A combination of surgery, to remove the lining of the affected organ, and chemotherapy and radiation, to kill any cancer cells remaining and limit the growth of new cancerous cells, will bring the best results. In some cases, chemotherapy can be administered directly to the chest cavity after surgery. This can be especially effective, and is a procedure done by Mesothelioma specialists.
Surgery on its own is rarely effective, but combined with other therapies it can prolong life for 3 to 14 years. However, many factors determine whether a patient will respond well to surgery. Advanced age and advanced disease are two main factors. Tumor size can also play a role in how successful surgery will be. If a patient is identified as having positive prognostic factors, treatments will be recommended.
Unfortunately, metastatic Mesothelioma is a limiting factor. Most cases of metastasized Mesothelioma will not respond to treatment and doctors will recommend palliative treatments only. At some point, it is best to focus on easing suffering and pain and ensuring the best quality of life for the time remaining. Complicated surgery and chemotherapy with intense side effects may add a couple of months to life, but those couple of months could be spent in serious pain or suffering adverse side effects.
Prevention and Early Detection
Because Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, prevention is possible. Do not work on your home or do any renovations without testing for asbestos insulation. Consider checking the insulation at your workplace. If you will come into contact with insulation because you work in construction, ensure that you are given proper protective equipment, such as a breathing mask and coveralls. Do not bring your clothes home and shower at work or as soon as possible, as particles can be present on clothes and in hair. Families of workers in asbestos mines have been known to develop Mesothelioma because dust was brought home day after day by one family member.
If you think you have been exposed to asbestos, be sure to tell your doctor and consider checking for Mesothelioma if you experience any symptoms. Early detection can increase the effectiveness of treatment, prolonging life. Some people find that complementary therapies help both with outliving prognosis and improved quality of life. The author Paul Kraus has written a book about his experiences outliving his prognosis by many, many years.
The prognosis for Mesothelioma is usually dismal, and no cure exists at this time. Consult a specialist in Mesothelioma to see if any further studies have shown positive results. Contacting Mesothelioma treatment centers can also open up a world of resources, for physical health and support groups for patients and their families.
