Mesothelioma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that arises from the mesothelium, the supportive lining that protects many of the body's internal organs.

There are four forms of mesothelioma:

• Pleural Mesothelioma: The lining that surrounds the lungs is affected by this kind of mesothelioma, which accounts for around 75% of all cases.
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma: About 20% of all cases are of this kind, which affects the lining that surrounds the abdominal cavity.
• Pericardial Mesothelioma: This kind affects the heart lining and is very uncommon, accounting for fewer than 1% of all instances.
• Testicular Mesothelioma: This kind affects tissue in or around male reproductive organs like the testicles or epididymis, accounting for fewer than 1% of all cases.

Asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can become embedded in the tissue of the mesothelium, a thin membrane that lines and protects many of the body's organs.

This exposure can lead to inflammation, scarring, and eventually genetic mutations that can result in mesothelioma.

• The most frequent sign of mesothelioma is shortness of breath, which is caused by fluid accumulation in the chest cavity.
• Other symptoms include a persistent dry cough, chest pain, fatigue, and weight loss.
• Rarely, patients may experience difficulty swallowing or abdominal pain due to a build-up of fluid in the abdomen (known as ascites).
• In some cases, lumps may form on the chest wall near where the cancer originated.

• Avoid exposure to asbestos: Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, so avoiding exposure to it is key in preventing mesothelioma.
• If you have any of the usual mesothelioma symptoms, such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood, get medical care immediately.
• Understand your legal rights: If you believe you were exposed to asbestos through no fault of your own, it's important to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.
• Wear protective gear: If exposed to asbestos, wear protective clothing and use respirators when working with or around asbestos-containing materials.
• Get regular check-ups: People who have been exposed to asbestos should get regular check-ups from their doctor and ask about any symptoms that could be related to mesothelioma.

• Physical exams: Physical exams are an important part of diagnosing mesothelioma. During a physical exam, the doctor will inspect the patient's chest and abdomen for any lumps or abnormalities. A stethoscope may be used by the doctor to check for any strange noises in the lungs that might signal mesothelioma.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to measure levels of certain proteins that are associated with mesothelioma, as well as to check for signs of infection.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a method that entails taking a tiny sample of tissue from an afflicted region and examining it under a microscope. This is commonly performed with a needle or by surgery. A biopsy is one of the most reliable ways to diagnose mesothelioma because it allows doctors to identify abnormal cells associated with the disease.
• Chest X-ray: The most frequent imaging test used to detect mesothelioma is a chest X-ray. It may aid in the detection of malignancies in the lungs, chest wall, and diaphragm.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI creates comprehensive pictures of places within your body by using a high magnetic field and radio waves. It may identify cancers in the chest, abdomen, and other places.

• Shortness of breath: The buildup of fluid in the chest or abdomen can cause difficulty breathing.
• Pain: Fluid accumulation or tumours may lead to pain in the chest, abdomen, or back.
• Fatigue: Cancer and its treatments can cause fatigue and lack of energy.
• Weakness: Cancer can weaken muscles throughout the body due to loss of appetite, nausea, and other treatments.
• Loss of Appetite: A loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss are two potential outcomes of experiencing sensations such as nausea and pain.
• Difficulty Swallowing: Tumors that press on the esophagus or swallowing muscles can make it hard to swallow food and liquids properly.
• Coughing up Blood: Mesothelioma tumors in the lungs may produce bloody sputum when coughing due to irritation or inflammation from airways becoming blocked with tumor cells or fluids from malignant pleural effusions (MPE).
• Fever & Night Sweats: Mesothelioma patients may experience recurring fever as a result of infections caused by a weakened immune system (due to chemotherapy). Night sweats may also be experienced due to cancer-related inflammation or infection throughout the body.

• Turmeric: Since turmeric is an effective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, using it may be able to decrease inflammation in the lungs and other organs that have been impacted by mesothelioma. It is possible to take it in the form of a powder, a pill, or tea.
• Guggul: Guggul is an Ayurvedic herb with anti-inflammatory effects that may also aid in the immune system's battle against cancer cells.
• Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body better cope with stress, which may help reduce symptoms of mesothelioma such as fatigue and pain. It can be consumed as a powder, capsule or tea.
• Tulsi: Tulsi is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments including cancer and mesothelioma due to its antioxidant properties which may help reduce inflammation associated with the condition. It can be consumed as a powder, capsule or tea.

Focus on foods high in antioxidants and fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and lean proteins like fish.

Stay hydrated by including enough of fluids in your diet.

• Foods to avoid in mesothelioma include:
• Processed and fried foods
• Red meat
• Dairy products
• Alcohol
• Caffeinated beverages

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a systemic procedure in which chemicals are used to destroy cancer cells. It may be taken either before or after surgery to shrink tumours and enhance results.
• Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy involves targeting cancer cells with high-energy radiation, which can destroy them or prevent them from growing and dividing.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy employs medications to boost the immune system, causing it to detect and destroy cancer cells more efficiently than it would otherwise.
• Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP): Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) is a major surgical procedure used to treat mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The procedure involves the removal of the affected lung, part of the diaphragm, and nearby lymph nodes. It is a complex and risky surgery that requires extensive pre- and post-operative care.
• Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D): Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) is a major surgical procedure used to treat malignant mesothelioma. It involves the removal of the pleural membrane and the outer layer of the lung, known as the parietal pleura, as well as some of the surrounding tissue. This procedure is usually done in combination with chemotherapy or radiation to improve patient outcomes.

Patients diagnosed with Mesothelioma should consult a specialist such as a Medical Oncologist, Pulmonologist, or Thoracic Surgeon who is experienced in treating the disease.

Depending on the level of the disease, it is essential to consult with a mesothelioma specialist. A multidisciplinary team approach is often recommended for successful treatment and management of this cancer.

The best medicines for mesothelioma depend on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. Common medicines for mesothelioma include:

• Chemotherapeutic drugs: Chemotherapeutic drugs are medications used to treat cancer. They function by specifically targeting cancer cells and inhibiting their growth and division. Common chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat mesothelioma include pemetrexed, cisplatin, carboplatin, doxorubicin, and gemcitabine.
• Immunotherapy drugs: Immunotherapy drugs may be used with other therapies like chemotherapy or radiation therapy to help shrink tumours and improve patient outcomes. Common Immunotherapy drugs for mesothelioma are Keytruda (pembrolizumab), Opdivo (nivolumab), and Yervoy (ipilimumab).
• Anti-angiogenesis medication: Bevacizumab is an anti-angiogenesis medication that has been used to treat mesothelioma. It works by preventing the development of new blood vessels, slowing the course of the illness.

As it is an incurable disease, recovery from mesothelioma is not possible. However, there are accessible medications to help control symptoms and enhance quality of life.

Recovery time varies depending on a variety of factors including age, other medical conditions and response to treatment; however, most patients experience a gradual improvement in their quality of life with ongoing treatment.

No, the effects of mesothelioma treatment are not long-lasting. Treatment can help to reduce symptoms, slow the growth and spread of tumor cells, and provide a better quality of life for patients; however, there is no cure for mesothelioma.

There are different types of treatments available, such as surgery to remove tumors or radiation to shrink them, but these treatments cannot eradicate all of the cancer cells in the body and do not guarantee a cure. The effects of treatment may be temporary or long-lasting depending on how effective it is in controlling the cancer.

• After treatment for mesothelioma is completed, it is important to follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor the condition and watch for recurrence or new tumors.
• It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle during and after treatment including eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking if applicable, avoiding alcohol consumption and managing stress levels.
• Additionally, it is important to be aware of the long-term side effects of mesothelioma treatments such as an increased risk of secondary cancers or heart problems that may occur down the line.
• It is also important to seek emotional support through counseling or support groups as well as having family members involved in the follow-up process so they can provide assistance and emotional support when needed.

The cost of mesothelioma treatments in India can vary significantly, depending on the type of treatment, the patient’s individual needs, and the hospital where the treatment is being provided.

Generally speaking, treatment costs will range from around ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh or more. This cost includes doctor fees, hospital stay charges and other related expenses. Complementary treatments such as massage therapy and nutritional supplements may also add to the overall cost.

• Fatigue: Treatment for mesothelioma can cause extreme fatigue and tiredness, making it difficult to do everyday activities.
• Pain: Pain is a common side effect of mesothelioma treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
• Nausea: Nausea and vomiting are also common side effects of mesothelioma treatments, which can make it difficult to get proper nutrition.
• Hair Loss: Chemotherapy for mesothelioma often causes hair loss as a side effect.
• Infection Risk: Patients receiving treatment for mesothelioma run the risk of developing infections since the disease's medications may impair their immune systems.

If you are suffering from any complications relating to mesothelioma then you should consult a doctor nearby as they can cause complications like shortness of breath, weakness, loss of appetite, etc. in which treatment course can range from a few months to years depending on the severity of the situation.