Essential Questions to ask if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma ***IMPORTANT***

Starter Information on Epithelial Mesothelioma

Posted on: October 13, 2023 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

Epithelial mesothelioma is a serious and rare form of cancer. Here is a short overview of epithelial mesothelioma:

  1. Types of Mesothelioma: Mesothelioma is classified based on the cells involved. Epithelial mesothelioma is the most common type. Other types include sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma.
  2. Symptoms: Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (affecting the lungs) include chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, and fatigue. When it affects the abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma), symptoms can include abdominal pain, swelling, weight loss, and nausea.
  3. Diagnosis: Diagnosing epithelial mesothelioma can be challenging because its symptoms often mimic those of other conditions. Diagnostic tools may include imaging tests, blood tests, and biopsies.
  4. Prognosis: The prognosis for epithelial mesothelioma patients tends to be better than for those with other types of mesothelioma. However, like all cancers, early detection and treatment play crucial roles in improving the patient’s outlook.
  5. Treatments: Apart from radiation and chemotherapy, other treatment options include:
    • Surgery: Depending on the stage and location of the disease, surgery might be used to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
    • Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs that target specific weaknesses present within cancer cells.
    • Immunotherapy: This relatively new approach boosts the body’s natural defenses to fight the cancer.
  6. Prevention: Given the strong association between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, preventing exposure to asbestos is the primary means of prevention. Asbestos use has been banned or restricted in many countries, but older buildings may still contain it.
  7. Legal Considerations: Given the link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, many patients or their families choose to pursue legal actions against companies that produced or used asbestos products.
  8. Support: Patients and their families may benefit from joining support groups, where they can connect with others going through similar experiences.

In conclusion, while epithelial mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer, there are treatments available, and ongoing research aims to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients. Awareness and understanding of the disease can help in early detection, better management, and advocacy for patients’ rights.