Mesothelioma Vs. Lung Cancer: Understanding the Differences
Mesothelioma and lung cancer are two different diseases, but they can affect the same area of the body.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs like the lungs (pleura) and other organs like the abdomen (peritoneum) or heart, while lung cancer specifically affects the lung tissue itself.
The primary cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure (inhaling asbestos fibers), a mineral once commonly used in construction and manufacturing, whereas lung cancer can be caused by factors such as smoking, air pollution, and genetic factors (predisposition).
Symptoms of mesothelioma
1. Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms:
Pleural mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the pleura, which is the thin lining of tissue surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity.
Chest Pain: Persistent or sharp chest pain is a common symptom of pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). The pain may worsen with deep breathing, coughing, or sneezing.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath can occur as the tumor grows and puts pressure on the lungs, causing a buildup of fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion).
Persistent Cough: A persistent cough that worsens over time may develop, often accompanied by coughing up blood (hemoptysis) or sputum.
Fatigue: Generalized weakness, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss are common symptoms of many types of cancer, including pleural mesothelioma.
Lumps Under the Skin: Rarely, pleural mesothelioma may cause visible lumps or masses to form under the skin on the chest wall or abdomen.
Other symptoms include Unexplained weight loss, Difficulty swallowing, Hoarseness.
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the peritoneum, the thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity.
Abdominal Pain: Persistent or localized abdominal pain and discomfort are common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
Abdominal Swelling: Swelling or fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) may occur as the tumor grows and irritates the peritoneal lining, leading to increased pressure in the abdomen.
Changes in Bowel Habits: Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation, or unexplained changes in stool consistency, may occur in some cases.
Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite may develop as a result of the tumor pressing on the stomach or intestines.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Similar to pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can cause unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms:
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the pericardium, which is the thin membrane surrounding the heart.
Chest Pain: Pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the heart (pericardium), may cause chest pain or tightness due to the tumor pressing on the heart or surrounding structures.
Heart Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats, heart murmurs, or palpitations may occur as a result of pericardial involvement.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath can develop if the tumor affects the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
Fatigue: Generalized weakness, fatigue, and difficulty performing normal activities may occur due to the strain on the cardiovascular system.
Stages of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma progresses through distinct stages that impact treatment options and prognosis. Understanding these stages is crucial for patients and their loved ones.
Stage I:
In the early stages, mesothelioma is localized to the lining of the affected organ, with minimal spread. Treatment at this stage often involves surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue, with the potential for long-term survival.
Stage II:
Mesothelioma may spread to nearby organs or lymph nodes in Stage II. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are commonly used to target the cancer and manage symptoms.
Stage III:
By Stage III, mesothelioma has typically spread extensively within the affected organ and to nearby tissues. Treatment may involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to control the disease and alleviate symptoms.
Stage IV:
In the advanced stages, mesothelioma has spread to distant organs and tissues throughout the body. Treatment aims to manage symptoms and improve quality of life through palliative care, which focuses on pain relief and symptom management.
Treatment
Surgery:
Surgery is often considered for patients with early-stage mesothelioma. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible, either through debulking (removing part of the tumor) or, in some cases, complete resection. Surgical procedures may include pleurectomy/decortication (removing the affected pleura and surrounding tissue) or extrapleural pneumonectomy (removing the affected lung, the pleura, and nearby tissues). Surgery is usually combined with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy for better outcomes.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or slow down their growth. It is commonly used in mesothelioma treatment, either before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink the tumor or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs may be administered intravenously or directly into the chest cavity (intracavitary chemotherapy).
Radiation Therapy:
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells. It can be used as a standalone treatment for mesothelioma, but it is more commonly used in combination with surgery and/or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy may help shrink tumors, alleviate symptoms such as pain and difficulty breathing, and improve overall prognosis.
Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy is a relatively new approach to cancer treatment that utilizes the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Drugs known as checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, have shown promise in treating mesothelioma by blocking proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells. Immunotherapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments in certain cases.
Clinical Trials:
Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or treatment combinations for mesothelioma. Participating in a clinical trial can provide access to cutting-edge therapies that are not yet widely available and contribute to advancing knowledge about the disease.
Palliative Care:
Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients with mesothelioma, especially those in advanced stages of the disease. Palliative treatments may include pain management, respiratory support, nutritional support, and psychological support for both patients and their families.
While mesothelioma is a challenging diagnosis, advancements in treatment options and supportive care have improved outcomes for many patients. Additionally, clinical trials offer hope for new therapies and approaches to managing the disease. By working closely with healthcare providers and exploring all available options, individuals with mesothelioma can make informed decisions about their care and optimize their quality of life.
