Mesothelioma is a type of cancer originating in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that lines and safeguards organs such as the lungs, abdomen, and heart. This cancer is predominantly associated with asbestos exposure, a mineral that was commonly applied in various building materials and products in the Past.
The most common type, pleural mesothelioma, starts in the lining around the lungs, which is called the pleura.
However, it can also begin in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or, very rarely, around the heart or testicles.
It is serious, and sometimes it can grow and spread quickly. However, some treatments can help manage it and improve one’s quality of life, which is a comforting thought.
Where Does It Come From?
The leading cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in construction, insulation, and shipbuilding. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can get stuck in the mesothelium, irritating it over time and eventually leading to cancer.
Since this can take 20–50 years or more to show up, mesothelioma often affects older adults who were exposed decades ago, even if the exposure was brief.
Other things might increase your risk, like radiation exposure or specific genetic changes, but asbestos is the most significant factor.
You might be at higher risk if you worked in high-risk jobs such as construction, mining, or shipbuilding or lived near asbestos-related industries.
Sometimes, family members were exposed secondhand, such as through dust on clothing, but it is reassuring that you can’t “catch” mesothelioma from someone else.
Who Gets Mesothelioma?
This cancer is rare, it’s more common in:
Older adults, usually over 65, because it takes so long to develop after exposure.
Men, due to higher rates of occupational asbestos exposure in the past.
People with a history of asbestos exposure, even if it happened years ago.
It’s not something you can pass on to others, and knowing the cause can help you and your doctor take steps to monitor or prevent it if there’s a risk.
What Are the Signs to Watch For?
Symptoms of mesothelioma can be subtle and slow to show up, which sometimes makes it tricky to catch early. They can also mimic other conditions, so it’s important to talk to a doctor if you notice anything unusual, especially with a history of asbestos exposure. Common symptoms include:
For pleural mesothelioma (lungs): Chest pain, shortness of breath, a persistent cough, fatigue, or weight loss.
For peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen): Belly pain, swelling, nausea, loss of appetite, or changes in bowel habits.
For any type: General tiredness, fever, or night sweats.
If you experience these, your doctor might use tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, biopsies, or blood tests to determine whether you have mesothelioma or something else.
What Can Be Done About It?
Treatment depends on the type of mesothelioma, how far it’s spread (its stage), and your overall health, but there are options to help you feel better and live longer:
Surgery: If caught early, surgery might remove the tumor or affected tissue, like part of the lung (pleurectomy) or abdomen lining.
Chemotherapy: Drugs like cisplatin and pemetrexed can shrink the cancer and slow its growth, often used before or after surgery or if surgery isn’t an option.
Radiation therapy: High-energy rays can target and shrink tumors, especially in pleural mesothelioma, to relieve symptoms or stop the cancer from spreading.
Immunotherapy: This is an exciting, newer option that utilizes your immune system to combat cancer. Drugs such as nivolumab, ipilimumab, and pembrolizumab (checkpoint inhibitors) have shown promise, particularly for pleural mesothelioma, helping some individuals live longer—up to 18 months or more in certain cases.
Clinical trials are testing new treatments, including targeted therapies, cancer vaccines, and combinations of immunotherapy, which may provide hope when standard treatments fall short.
We offer participation in a clinical trial at the Rainbow Cancer Research, comparing standard immune chemotherapy and upgraded immunotherapy using Volrustomig to determine whether the combination immunotherapy offers better prognoses to patients affected by pleural mesothelioma.
For more information, please email us at trials@rainbowoncology.co.za, or call 0319043098 or refer to https://oncorainbowresearch.com