Mesothelioma Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) or the abdomen (peritoneum). It is often linked to asbestos exposure.

Is mesothelioma a type of cancer?

Yes, mesothelioma is a cancerous disease that affects the mesothelial cells, which form the protective lining of many internal organs.?

How is mesothelioma different from other cancers?

Mesothelioma is unique because it is typically caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, whereas most other cancers have multiple causes and risk factors.

Is mesothelioma a curable disease?

While there is currently no cure for mesothelioma, treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can help manage symptoms and improve survival rates.

Causes and Risk Factors

What causes mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled or ingested and become lodged in the lining of the lungs or abdomen.

Is asbestos exposure the only cause of mesothelioma?

Asbestos exposure is practically the exclusive cause of mesothelioma, but other extremely rare factors such as a specific type of radiation exposure, or exposure to soils in Turkey may also contribute.

How does asbestos exposure occur?

Asbestos exposure typically occurs in workplaces where asbestos-containing materials are used or during home renovation projects involving asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos can also be carried home on worker’s clothing – creating the potential for family member exposure.

Are there other risk factors for mesothelioma?

Besides asbestos exposure, other risk factors may include age since the latency period from time of exposure to development of mesothelioma typically takes decades.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

What are the common symptoms of mesothelioma?

Common symptoms include chest or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal swelling. Seek medical assistance immediately if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans, followed by a biopsy to confirm the presence of mesothelioma cells.

What tests are used to detect mesothelioma?

Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans) and biopsy (tissue sample analysis) with IH (immunohistochemcial) staining are commonly used to detect and diagnose mesothelioma.

How is the staging of mesothelioma determined?

Staging is determined based on the extent of tumor growth and spread. It helps doctors plan the most appropriate treatment. Staging may involve imaging tests, biopsies, and sometimes surgical exploration.

Treatment Options

What are the main treatment options for mesothelioma? Treatment options include surgery (to remove tumors), chemotherapy (to kill cancer cells), radiation therapy (to shrink tumors), and emerging treatments such as immunotherapy.
Is surgery always necessary for mesothelioma treatment? Surgery is not always necessary but may be considered depending on the stage and location of the mesothelioma. It can be used for tumor removal, debulking, or palliative purposes.
What are the different types of surgical procedures for mesothelioma? Surgical options include pleurectomy/decortication (removal of the pleura), extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP – removal of the lung and surrounding tissue), and cytoreductive surgery with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (for peritoneal mesothelioma).
How does chemotherapy help in treating mesothelioma? Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It can be used before surgery (neoadjuvant), after surgery (adjuvant), or as a primary treatment for mesothelioma.
What is radiation therapy’s role in mesothelioma treatment? Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and shrink tumors or alleviate symptoms. It can be used alone or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.
What is immunotherapy and how does it work for mesothelioma? Immunotherapy uses drugs to stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It is an emerging treatment option for mesothelioma, showing promising results in some patients.

Legal Aspects and Support Resources

Are there legal options for mesothelioma patients? Yes, mesothelioma patients may have legal options to seek compensation from asbestos manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, contractors or employers responsible for their asbestos exposure.
How can I seek compensation for asbestos exposure? Compensation can be sought through lawsuits, settlements, or trust funds established by asbestos companies to compensate victims. Consult an attorney to evaluate and handle these claims.
What are the time limits for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit? Time limits (statutes of limitations) vary by state and jurisdiction. It’s crucial to consult with a lawyer specializing in mesothelioma cases to understand and meet deadlines. Time is of the essence.
Are there support groups available for mesothelioma patients and their families? Yes, there are support groups, both online and in-person, that provide emotional support, information, and resources for mesothelioma patients and their families.
Where can I find additional resources and assistance? Additional, non-legal resources and assistance can be found through cancer centers, patient advocacy organizations, and online health platforms.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

What is the prognosis for mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a serious, incurable cancer. Prognosis varies depending on the stage at diagnosis, location of the mesothelioma, overall health of the patient, and response to treatment. Median survival rates range from months to a few years. However, advancements in treatment are improving survival outcomes for some patients.
What are the survival rates for mesothelioma? Survival rates vary significantly but generally remain low due to late diagnosis and aggressive nature of the disease. However, advancements in treatment are improving survival outcomes for some patients.
What factors can affect the prognosis and survival of mesothelioma patients? Factors such as stage at diagnosis, type of mesothelioma, location, age and overall health of the patient, type of treatment, response to treatment, and access to advanced therapies can impact prognosis and survival rates.
Are there any promising advancements in mesothelioma treatment? Yes, ongoing research is exploring new treatments such as targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and combination treatments that may improve outcomes for mesothelioma patients.

Clinical Trials

What are clinical trials and how do they relate to mesothelioma? Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or combinations of treatments to evaluate their safety and effectiveness for mesothelioma patients.
Are there ongoing clinical trials for mesothelioma treatment? Yes, there are ongoing clinical trials investigating new drugs, therapies, and treatment approaches specifically for mesothelioma.
How can I participate in a mesothelioma clinical trial? Patients interested in participating in clinical trials should discuss eligibility criteria and options with their healthcare team, who can provide information on available trials and assist with enrollment.

Palliative Care and Quality of Life

What is palliative care and how can it help mesothelioma patients? Palliative care focuses on improving quality of life by managing symptoms, providing pain relief, and addressing emotional and spiritual needs, regardless of the stage of the disease.
How does palliative care improve the quality of life for mesothelioma patients? Palliative care helps manage symptoms such as pain, difficulty breathing, and fatigue, while also providing emotional support and improving overall well-being.
Are there specific support services available for managing symptoms and side effects? Yes, healthcare providers and support organizations offer services to manage specific symptoms and side effects of mesothelioma treatment, such as pain management, nutrition counseling, and psychological support.