Types of Mesothelioma Cancer
While rare compared with other types of cancer,
the types of mesothelioma cancer are an extremely serious health risk due to
the severity of the fatality and the difficulty in detecting the diseases at an
early stage. Whether for those looking for cancer information or for those
touched by the disease, it is important to know cancer's most basic facts so we
can understand its treatments, our prognosis, and its prevention. This guide
takes the mystery and fear out of the different types of mesothelioma cancers,
what they are doing to the body, diagnosing the type of cancer, and treatment
alternatives and supportive care resources no matter what stage of the disease
the reader is in.
Pleural Mesothelioma—the Greatest Common Form
Known as pleural mesothelioma, it is also the most predominant form of
mesothelioma.
Imaging (chest x-ray and CT) often reveals
effusions or pleural thickening; this finding prompts a need for biopsy.
Typical treatment involves surgery aimed at cutting away affected tissue,
chemotherapy, radiation, or some combination of all such approaches, known as
“multimodal therapy.” Furthermore, immunotherapy is gaining ground as a second
therapeutic approach in advanced disease.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma—It Affects the Lining of
the Abdomen
The second most common form of the types of
mesothelioma cancers is peritoneal mesothelioma, which is found in the
peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. It is responsible for about 15-20%
of all cases and may produce clinical features of abdominal discomfort, bloating,
altered bowel habits, and weight loss. These symptoms are commonly attributed to
GI pathology and may lead to delay in diagnosis until the time of advanced
disease.
Due to its location, these mesotheliomas are
usually solid and are somewhat less likely to be spotted on traditional imaging
tests, only being discovered by chance after death or when surgery planned for
another heart condition is conducted. When the cancer is identified in living
patients, there is little that can be done, as the disease is near the heart.
Radical surgery is seldom possible, and the emphasis is frequently on symptom
control to maintain the patient's quality of life.
Testicular Mesothelioma: The Least Common Form
Testicular mesothelioma least common of all (0%
of cases). Its origin is the tunica vaginalis of the testes. The classic triad
of symptoms are swelling, lumps, and pain in the testicles. It is usually
diagnosed during the course of the surgery for another condition, for example,
hernia repair or hydrocelectomy. Though not much is known about prognosis or
long-term survival since it is so rare, treatment usually involves removal of
the affected testicle (orchiectomy) and, at times, chemotherapy or radiation
therapy. Early detection significantly enhances results; however, recurrence is
a serious concern.
How Are the Various Kinds of Mesothelioma
Diagnosed?
The types of mesothelioma cancer need to be
removed; the below does it step by step. Usually physicians start with imaging tests,
such as CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans, leading them to spot abnormalities. An
early and appropriate diagnosis is essential during the treatment strategy.
Treatment Is Not the Same According to Type and
Stage
The course of treatment can range widely,
depending on which of the types of mesothelioma cancer a patient has and at
what stage it is caught. Multimodal therapy (surgery combined with chemotherapy
and/or radiation therapy) is appropriate for early-stage pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomas.
For those eligible for HIPEC therapy, studies have dramatically changed the
potential outcome for such patients, and that is now no longer the case with
peritoneal mesothelioma patients. Immunotherapy, which trains the body’s own
immune system to combat cancer, is being intensively studied and used when other
treatments fail. Palliative treatments are commonly employed to relieve
symptoms and maximize patient comfort in the terminal stage.
Hazards to Workers and the Environment
The long, latent effects of exposure to asbestos
(among ( )) is the most consistently implicated risk factor. This naturally
occurring mineral became known for its fire-resistant properties and was
commonly used in construction, shipbuilding parts, automotive parts, and
insulation. Those who have worked in these industries — and especially those
who did so before the 1980s and without proper protective gear — are more at
risk. Secondary contact, such as through clothing worn by a family member who
has asbestos fibers, has also been documented. Regulations have limited the use
of asbestos, but older buildings and pieces of equipment continue to pose hazards,
especially when agitated, such as during renovation or demolition.
How to Prevent Mesothelioma with Education and
Laws
No one can say how to remediate all types of
mesothelioma cancer (but vaccines), but the public health measures to slow new
cases have made a real difference. Finding and appropriately disposing of any
old structures with materials that contain asbestos is the first step.
Employees with potential asbestos exposure should be trained on recognizing
asbestos hazards and the proper use of PPE. Folks in populations exposed to
asbestos can potentially catch symptoms of the disease before it has progressed
too far through regular health screenings and treatment. Education remains one
of the best tools to stop and lower the number of asbestosis cases in the
future.
Mesothelioma patient’s Quality of Life and
Support for Mesothelioma Patients
You already KNOW. It can be overwhelming to be
diagnosed with any type of mesothelioma cancer. But patients now have greater
access to support, including oncology social workers, special treatment centers
for cases like this, and community support groups. Oncologists also manage pain
and other symptoms that affect daily comfort, with the help of palliative care.
Helping with mental health is just as important when the burden of a chronic
disease starts to lead to anxiety or depression. Family members or other caregivers
can be offered help, whether emotional or practical, to care for a loved one.
New Hope in Research Today
And medical scientists continue to push their
search and discovery of types of mesothelioma cancer, too. Novel chemotherapy
agents, immunotherapies, and genetic therapies are being tested in clinical
trials. Scientists are also looking at biomarkers for early detection, as well
as new imaging techniques to diagnose the diseases. The greater the knowledge
we can gain about the molecular structure of mesothelioma cells, the more
widespread, targeted, and effective treatments can be. A mesothelioma diagnosis
continues to be a grim situation, although insights in research remain a light
in the tunnel for brighter inverted lights.
Summary: It's All Possession of Information
There you have it: you need to know if you have mesothelioma.
Understanding the multiple types of mesothelioma
cancer and management of their disease process is the initial step in
management of this complex disorder.
