If you’re living with mesothelioma, then you’re probably struggling with what to do or how to think about the future. And if you’re close to someone who has been diagnosed, you’re probably even more confused. But no matter who you are or what the circumstances are, there are steps you can take to improve your quality of life with this type of cancer.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs, but can also occur in the lining of the abdomen, the heart (pericardium), and the testicles. It’s most commonly caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers that were once widely used in construction, automotive, and other industries for their resistance to heat, electricity, and chemical damage.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the organ linings, causing irritation that may lead to mesothelioma over time. Frustratingly, the disease is characterized by a long latency period, meaning that it can take decades (20-50 years) after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma to develop. And by the time symptoms emerge, the disease has almost always advanced to a point that it’s difficult to treat.
Symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on the type but may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fluid accumulation around the lungs (pleural effusion), fatigue, and weight loss.
While mesothelioma is very rarely cured – simply because it’s caught too late in most cases – there are treatment options available. This may include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and newer treatments like immunotherapy. However, the prognosis for mesothelioma patients is generally poor, with many living only a short time after diagnosis.
According to MesotheliomaGuide.com, “There are technically four types of mesothelioma. However, two are more commonly diagnosed: pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. The other two – pericardial mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma – are rare occurrences.
- Pleural Mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma occurs in the lungs and accounts for approximately 75 to 80 percent of all cases. The primary symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent cough, chest pain, and fluid buildup around the lungs.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abandonment and accounts for approximately 10 to 15 percent of all cases. The most common symptoms include abdominal pain, fluid buildup in the abdomen, and unexplained weight loss.
Because the symptoms of mesothelioma often mimic other common yet less serious diseases and illnesses, doctors don’t immediately suggest testing for their patients. However, in order to diagnose mesothelioma, doctors usually need X-rays, CT scans, PET scans, or biopsies. Typically, it’s best to get these done at cancer centers that are experienced in dealing with mesothelioma diagnoses.
Mesothelioma Outlook
In order to determine the prognosis and outlook for patients with mesothelioma, doctors usually consider several different variables. This includes the type of mesothelioma: epithelial, sarcomatoid, and biphasic (which is a mixed type). Roughly half of people have epithelial mesothelioma, which actually has a better survival rate than the other two.
The location of the cancer is also important. Those with pleural mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs have the best survival rate. But if it’s found in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), it’s much harder to treat. And then pericardial and testicular mesothelioma are considered very challenging.
Obviously, the stage of the disease matters, too. The sooner the cancer is identified, the more time doctors have to treat it.
“Once diagnosis of mesothelioma is finally made, oncologists will often find that the cancer has spread – or metastasized – from the location of the primary tumor,” Penn Medicine explains. “The extent of the metastases and the location where it has occurred will determine what type of treatment is recommended as well as the prognosis.”
Finally, doctors look at the overall health of the patient to determine their outlook. Like almost any other disease, people who are younger and stronger tend to live longer than those who are advanced in their years. Likewise, patients who have pre-existing health issues face a much more challenging outlook. Pre-existing conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes all have a poorer outlook than those without.
Quality of Life Tips
If it’s caught early enough, it’s possible for doctors to treat mesothelioma rather aggressively. However, in cases where it’s found after the cancer has metastasized, it’s sometimes less practical to treat mesothelioma with the intention of eliminating the disease. In many cases, the goal is to improve your quality of life. Here are some ways to do that:
- Prioritize Pain Management: Work closely with your healthcare team to manage pain effectively. This may involve a combination of medications, physical therapy, and complementary therapies like acupuncture or massage.
- Stay Active: Engage in gentle exercise as recommended by your doctor. Activities like walking, yoga, or tai chi can improve your physical strength, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being.
- Eat Well: Focus on a nutritious diet that supports your health. A dietitian can help tailor your eating plan to manage symptoms and maintain strength. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Rest and Recover: Listen to your body and rest when needed, as quality sleep is essential for healing and maintaining energy levels. Create a comfortable, restful sleeping environment and establish a calming bedtime routine.
- Breathe Easier: If you’re experiencing difficulty breathing, learn and practice breathing techniques that can help, such as pursed-lip breathing or diaphragmatic breathing. Oxygen therapy might also be beneficial in certain cases.
- Stay Connected: Lean on your support network of family and friends. Consider joining a support group for individuals with mesothelioma to share experiences and coping strategies.
Adding it All Up
When it’s all said and done, mesothelioma is aggressive. But thanks to advances in medical technology and decades spent studying the disease, we also have more answers than ever before. By leaning into your medical team and trusting their expertise, you can improve your quality of life and find hope in the midst of a dark season of life.