Key Points About Mesothelioma
- Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that forms in the protective linings of the lungs, abdomen or heart.
- It's strongly linked to asbestos exposure, often through work-related environments.
- Symptoms can take years to appear and are often mistaken for other illnesses.
- Early detection can be challenging, but prompt diagnosis and a care team can help manage the disease.
- Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and supportive therapies.
Mesothelioma causes
Mesothelioma is most commonly triggered by long-term exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals once widely used in construction and manufacturing.
- Breathing in asbestos fibers at work, especially in older buildings or industrial settings
- Secondary exposure through contact with asbestos dust on clothes or belongings of exposed people
- Environmental exposure in areas where asbestos is naturally present in soil or rocks
- In rare cases, radiation or certain genetic factors may contribute
Mesothelioma risk factors
Some individuals are more likely to develop mesothelioma based on their job history, living conditions, or background.
- Working in industries where asbestos was commonly used (like construction, shipbuilding or mining)
- Living with someone who worked around asbestos
- Serving in the military, particularly in the Navy
- Being male and over the age of 60
- Having a family history of mesothelioma or carrying certain gene mutations
Mesothelioma symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on where the cancer develops, but they usually appear gradually and may be mistaken for other conditions.
For pleural mesothelioma (lungs):
- Ongoing shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort or pain
- A dry or persistent cough
- Fatigue that doesn’t go away
- Unexplained weight loss
Swelling or lumps under the skin of the chest
For peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen):
- Abdominal bloating or pain
- Changes in digestion or bowel habits
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or fluid buildup in the belly
Mesothelioma diagnosis
Because mesothelioma shares symptoms with many other illnesses, a thorough medical evaluation is needed to confirm it.
- Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to detect abnormalities
- PET scans to identify active cancer areas
- Blood tests to look for mesothelioma markers
- Biopsies to collect and test tissue samples
- Minimally invasive procedures (e.g., thoracoscopy, laparoscopy) to examine the affected area directly
Mesothelioma treatment
Treatment depends on the location, stage, and overall health of the individual. A multidisciplinary team often helps guide the best approach.
- Surgery to remove tumors when possible
- Chemotherapy to slow the spread or shrink tumors
- Radiation therapy to target and destroy cancer cells
- Immunotherapy to support the body’s natural defenses
- Palliative care to ease symptoms and improve daily comfort
When to seek care
If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos or you're experiencing unexplained symptoms, it’s important to talk to a doctor—especially if symptoms persist or or get worse.
- See a health care provider if you have long-lasting chest or abdominal pain
- Get checked if you experience difficulty breathing or unexplained weight loss
- If you’ve worked around asbestos, consider regular health screenings—even if you feel well