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Mesothelioma, while rare, is a quite deadly and aggressive type of cancer. But the more we know about how it spreads and what characteristics it has, the more we can begin to think strategically about how we address it.
What is Pleural Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is the blanket term given to a rare form of cancer that can form in the lining of several vital organs. It’s caused by exposure to asbestos, a natural building material that was used extensively in the early and mid-20th century. These microscopic asbestos fibers can be inhaled and become lodged or embedded in the body, leading to the development of mesothelioma.
“Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the pleura, which is the thin membrane between the chest wall and lungs,” MesotheliomaGuide.com mentions. “This specific cancer of the pleura accounts for nearly 80 percent of all cases of mesothelioma.”
While pleural mesothelioma is the most common type – and the one we’re going to discuss in this article – there are other types as well: peritoneal, pericardial, and testicular mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for roughly 10 to 15 percent of cases, while pericardial and testicular each account for less than one percent of all cases.
The Stages of Pleural Mesothelioma
Like all cancers, pleural mesothelioma is typically viewed and diagnosed through the lens of stages. There are four specific stages to be aware of:
Stage 1: The Beginning
In the first stage of pleural mesothelioma, the cancer is located on one side of the chest. It affects the lining of the lung, known as the pleura, but it hasn’t spread to any other parts of the body. Because the tumor is still limited, you might not even feel very sick. The symptoms can be quite mild and might include things like a slight cough or some shortness of breath.
At this stage, doctors often have the most treatment options available, which might include surgery to remove the tumor. This can be a good way to try to get rid of the cancer completely. If caught early, stage 1 pleural mesothelioma has the best prognosis, and treatments can be more effective.
Stage 2: Progression
As the cancer progresses to stage 2, it begins to spread from the pleura into the lung or diaphragm on the same side of the body. You might start to notice more symptoms, such as stronger chest pain, more frequent coughing, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms happen because the tumor is getting bigger and starting to affect more of your lung.
In this stage, surgery might still be an option, along with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These treatments aim to control the spread of the cancer and relieve some of the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Stage 3: Advancement
Stage 3 pleural mesothelioma is more severe. The cancer has spread into several structures within the chest, including the other side of the pleura, and possibly into the chest wall, heart, or lymph nodes. Symptoms at this stage are more pronounced and can significantly affect your day-to-day life.
Treatment in stage 3 focuses on managing symptoms and trying to slow the spread of the cancer. Surgery might be less likely to be recommended because the cancer has spread beyond what can reasonably be removed in a procedure. Instead, your doctor might suggest a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy to help control the cancer’s growth and help relieve the symptoms.
Stage 4: Late Stage
The final stage of pleural mesothelioma is the most challenging. By stage 4, the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as other organs and distant lymph nodes. Symptoms can be very severe and might include significant pain, extreme fatigue, and substantial weight loss.
At this stage, the focus of treatment is typically on making you as comfortable as possible. This is called palliative care and aims to relieve symptoms and manage pain. Although treating the cancer directly might not be possible, palliative care can significantly improve the quality of life.
What You Can Do
If you’re facing pleural mesothelioma, hope should not be lost. There are a few steps you can take:
- Get informed. Understanding the disease and its stages helps you know what to expect and how to handle challenges. This article should give you some helpful information; however, always consult with your doctor and healthcare team for medical advice.
- Seek treatment. It’s important to work with doctors who specialize in mesothelioma. They can provide the most effective treatment plans. General practitioners know the basics about mesothelioma, but they aren’t trained to deal with the intricacies of a treatment plan.
- Consider clinical trials. There are research studies that test new, evolving treatments. These clinical trials, while not proven, can be a way to access the latest therapy options and possibly gain access to effective treatments that aren’t available under normal circumstances.
Getting Treatment for Pleural Mesothelioma
If you’re dealing with a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis, it’s important to remember that your circumstances are unique to you. This is why it’s imperative to build a medical team around you to provide support, treatment, and suggestions. Don’t lose hope!
