Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It develops due to exposure to asbestos, a natural mineral that was commonly used in construction materials until the 1980s. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is often diagnosed at advanced stages, making it difficult to treat and manage. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s essential to understand how the disease progresses and what to expect in the end stages. In this article, we’ll explore the different aspects of mesothelioma and how it can eventually lead to death.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a thin layer of tissue that covers most of the internal organs in the body. The mesothelium is made up of two layers, the inner layer that surrounds the organ and the outer layer that forms a sac around it.
Mesothelioma can affect any part of the mesothelium, but it most commonly occurs in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. The cancer is classified into three types, based on the location where it develops:
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for around 75% of all cases. It develops in the pleura, which is the lining of the lungs.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum. It accounts for around 20% of all mesothelioma cases.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart, called the pericardium. It is the rarest form of mesothelioma, accounting for less than 1% of all cases.
How Does Mesothelioma Cause Death?
Mesothelioma is an incurable disease that progresses in stages. While the early stages of mesothelioma are often asymptomatic, as the disease advances, it can cause a wide range of symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, abdominal swelling, weight loss, and fatigue.
In the later stages of mesothelioma, the cancerous cells may spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, lymphatic system or by direct extension. The spread of cancer to other organs can cause severe complications such as heart failure, liver failure, and kidney failure.
The end stages of mesothelioma are characterized by a sharp decline in overall health. The patient may experience severe pain, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and may become bedridden.
What Are the End Stage Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
The end stages of mesothelioma are a difficult time for both the patient and their loved ones. The following are some of the common signs and symptoms of end-stage mesothelioma:
Shortness of Breath
Mesothelioma affects the lungs, so it’s common for patients to experience difficulty breathing in the end stages of the disease. Shortness of breath may occur even when resting, and it may worsen with physical activity.
Severe Pain
Mesothelioma can cause severe pain in the chest, abdomen, and back. The pain may be constant or intermittent and may be difficult to control with medication.
Fluid Build-Up
Mesothelioma can cause fluid to build up in the pleural or peritoneal cavity, leading to shortness of breath or abdominal swelling. This fluid build-up may require drainage to provide relief.
Loss of Appetite
As the disease progresses, patients may lose their appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss.
Fatigue
Mesothelioma can cause fatigue, which may be related to the disease itself or as a side effect of treatment. Fatigue can make it difficult for patients to perform even simple tasks.
Difficulty Sleeping
Mesothelioma and its symptoms can make it difficult for patients to get a good night’s sleep. Insomnia and sleep apnea are common in patients with advanced mesothelioma.
Mental Confusion
As the toxins build up in the body due to the inability of the organs to function properly, patients may experience confusion and disorientation.
How Long Can You Live with Mesothelioma?
There is no definitive answer to how long a person can live with mesothelioma. The life expectancy of mesothelioma patients depends on several factors, such as the stage of the disease, the location of the cancer, the age and overall health of the patient, and the type of mesothelioma. On average, patients with mesothelioma have a life expectancy of 12-21 months after diagnosis. However, with early detection and aggressive treatment, some patients have lived for several years.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, several treatment options can help manage the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. The following are some of the most common treatment options for mesothelioma:
Surgery
Surgery may be an option in the early stages of mesothelioma to remove the cancerous tissue. The type of surgery depends on the location of the cancer and the extent of its spread.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used in combination with surgery or as a standalone treatment. This treatment is effective in slowing down the growth of the cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high energy beams to kill cancer cells. It may be used before or after surgery or as a standalone treatment. Radiation therapy can help relieve pain and improve the patient’s quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is mesothelioma? | Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is a thin layer of tissue that covers most of the internal organs in the body. |
| How is mesothelioma diagnosed? | Mesothelioma is diagnosed by taking a biopsy of the affected tissue, usually the lungs or abdomen. A CT scan, MRI, or PET scan may also be used to determine the stage and extent of the cancer. |
| What are the early signs of mesothelioma? | The early stages of mesothelioma are often asymptomatic. However, symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue may develop as the disease progresses. |
| What causes mesothelioma? | Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in construction materials until the 1980s. The tiny asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, leading to cancer years or even decades later. |
| Is mesothelioma curable? | Unfortunately, there is no known cure for mesothelioma. However, several treatment options can help manage the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. |
| Who is at risk for mesothelioma? | Those who are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma are individuals who have worked in industries where asbestos was present, such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. Family members of these workers are also at a higher risk due to secondhand exposure to asbestos. |
| Can mesothelioma be prevented? | The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid exposure to asbestos. If you work in an industry where asbestos is present, take proper precautions such as wearing protective gear and following safety protocols. |
| Is mesothelioma hereditary? | Mesothelioma is not considered a hereditary disease. However, several genetic mutations have been identified that increase the risk of developing mesothelioma when exposed to asbestos. |
| What is the life expectancy of a mesothelioma patient? | The life expectancy of mesothelioma patients depends on several factors, such as the stage of the disease, the location of the cancer, the age and overall health of the patient, and the type of mesothelioma. On average, patients with mesothelioma have a life expectancy of 12-21 months after diagnosis. |
| What are the different types of mesothelioma? | Mesothelioma can affect any part of the mesothelium, but it most commonly occurs in the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. The cancer is classified into three types, based on the location where it develops – pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and pericardial mesothelioma. |
| How is mesothelioma treated? | While there is no cure for mesothelioma, several treatment options can help manage the symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. The most common treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. |
| What can I do if I have been exposed to asbestos? | If you have been exposed to asbestos, it’s important to get regular check-ups and screenings to monitor your health. If you develop any symptoms of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, seek medical attention immediately. |
| Can I file a lawsuit for mesothelioma? | If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the company or companies responsible for your exposure to asbestos. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the legal process. |
Conclusion
Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal cancer that can cause severe complications and a decline in overall health in the end stages of the disease. While there is no cure for mesothelioma, several treatment options can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for the patient. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s essential to understand the disease, its symptoms, and the available treatment options.
At the end of the day, prevention is the best defense against mesothelioma. If you work in an industry where asbestos is present, take the necessary precautions to avoid exposure. If you suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, get regular check-ups and screenings to monitor your health.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is not meant to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
