Mesothelioma 101: Everything You Need to Know
Cancer is one of the least preventable diseases, and it comes in many forms. If you’re looking to learn more about mesothelioma, this article is for you. In it, we’ll cover its symptoms, causes, risk factors, and more. Let’s get started!
What is mesothelium?
It is a type of cancer that spreads in the thin layer of tissue covering most of your internal organs called the mesothelium. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is one of the more aggressive and deadly forms of cancer.
There are four types: pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and testicular mesothelioma. However, the majority of cases (75-80%) are pleural mesothelioma.
Symptoms of mesothelioma
Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on where the cancer occurs in your body. Here’s a quick breakdown (sorted from the most to least common form of mesothelioma):
- Pleural mesothelioma symptoms can include chest pain, painful coughing, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can include abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, and unexplained weight loss.
- Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can include difficulty breathing and chest pain.
- Testicular mesothelioma symptoms can include swelling or a mass on the testicles.
Side note: Because pericardial and testicular mesothelioma are so rare, there’s little data on their symptoms. So there may be others beyond what’s listed above.
Causes of mesothelioma
At a general cellular level, cancer is caused by cell mutations. Mutated cancer cells disrupt the normal cell lifecycle, causing cells to grow and multiply out of control.
Mesothelioma cancer typically occurs after over-exposure to a natural mineral called asbestos. It can be found in water, air, and soil. Normally, it’s not dangerous. However, when broken up, it can turn into dust that people inhale. This is when it turns into a potential threat. However, keep in mind that even among those who inhale asbestos, few end up developing it.
Risk factors for mesothelioma
The number one risk factor for developing it is asbestos exposure. In the twentieth century, asbestos was commonly used to insulate and fireproof buildings and other structures because it’s strong, durable, and resistant to heat, fire, electricity, and chemical erosion.
Consequently, those who’ve worked in the mining, construction, military, shipbuilding, and automotive industries are more likely to have been exposed to asbestos.
Other risk factors include the following:
- Secondhand asbestos exposure. For example, living with someone who works with asbestos increases your risk of mesothelioma.
- A family history of mesothelioma. Genetic factors, such as specific mutations of a gene called BRCA-associated protein 1 (BAP1), can increase your risk.
- Male gender. Men tend to get it more often than women, partly because they are overrepresented in professions that handle asbestos.
- Older age. IT doesn’t usually manifest until 20 to 60 years after asbestos exposure. So the older you are, the higher your risk of having it.
- Other behaviors. Radiation therapy to the chest, smoking, and other behaviors can increase your risk of mesothelioma.
How to prevent mesothelioma
The best way to prevent it is to reduce your exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, you can’t reverse past exposure, but you can limit it moving forward.
For those in professions prone to asbestos exposure (miners, electricians, plumbers, etc.), this means following work safety regulations, such as wearing protective gear like face masks.
If your home is older, you may want to test it for asbestos. Don’t remove asbestos yourself since doing so could make the situation worse. You may break it up and create dust that you and your family inhale. Instead, hire a professional to handle any asbestos removal.
Beyond that, the best way to prevent mesothelioma is to live a healthy lifestyle. So keep a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of sunshine!
