Mishaps and tough times are similar to death—all three often come without warning bells. They come knocking on your door, and you either try to keep it shut as long as you can or answer it and face them. Mesothelioma cancer can bring all three, with the survival rate for terminal mesothelioma being low, and the chance of living more than five years at the final stage is as slim as 10%. But that is just the tip of the iceberg.

But first, let us start with the basics

What is Mesothelioma Cancer?

Mesothelioma, a type of cancer that is rare and aggressive, develops in the thin layer of tissue covering many internal organs, which is known as the mesothelium. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma impacts the pleura, the lining of the lungs, and is called pleural mesothelioma. Other variations include peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the abdominal cavity; pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the lining around the heart; and the least common form, testicular mesothelioma, which affects the lining around the testes.

Causes: Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries due to their heat-resistant properties. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the mesothelium, causing inflammation and scarring that may eventually lead to cancer. Mesothelioma often takes decades to develop after asbestos exposure and is typically diagnosed in older individuals.

However, there can be other risk factors as well, such as –

Occupational exposure: Careers in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing, where asbestos was frequently used, present a higher risk.
Secondhand exposure: Family members of workers exposed to asbestos may also be at risk due to fibers brought home on clothing or hair.
Genetics: A small percentage of cases may have a genetic predisposition to the disease.

The Types and Chances to Survive

Pleural Mesothelioma

There is no doubt that the theme of this blog is bleak, but when it comes to an aggressive cancer like Pleural Mesothelioma, the facts turn tragic. We would not sugarcoat it for you, but the chances for survival in this type of cancer are slim to none.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type in the pleura, the protective lining surrounding your lungs and chest wall. It’s the most common form of mesothelioma.

Symptoms: Shortness of breath, dry cough, chest pain, persistent cough, and fluid build-up around the lining of the chest and the lungs.

Survival: The survival rates may vary from person to person. The following are the average estimates-

1-year survival rate: Approximately 40-60%
3-year survival rate: Around 15-25%
5-year survival rate: Less than 10%

Treatment Prospects: “While this common yet aggressive form of mesothelioma is not associated with high survival rates, several treatment options are available, and various factors can influence the outcomes of treatment.”

Surgery: Procedures such as pleurectomy/decortication (the removal of the pleura and tumor) or extrapleural pneumonectomy (the removal of the affected lung, pleura, and other tissues) may be considered, especially in early-stage disease.

Chemotherapy: It is frequently employed to reduce the size of tumors or impede their progression. It may be administered prior to surgical intervention (neoadjuvant therapy) or following surgery (adjuvant therapy).

Radiation Therapy: Used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors, often in combination with surgery or chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy are emerging treatments that utilize the body’s immune system or target specific cancer cell characteristics.

Peritoneal mesothelioma

It is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that occurs in the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue lining the abdomen. It accounts for about 10-20% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other forms of the disease, this type of mesothelioma is primarily associated with asbestos exposure. When inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers can travel through the lymphatic system or bloodstream and lodge in the peritoneal lining. Over time, these fibers can cause inflammation and genetic damage, potentially leading to cancer.

Symptoms: Abdominal pain or swelling, bloating or a feeling of fullness, nausea or vomiting, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, anemia

Survival: Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma typically have a more favorable prognosis compared to other forms of the disease. This is attributed in part to the effectiveness of certain treatment approaches, such as cytoreductive surgery in combination with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.(HIPEC).

1-Year Survival Rate: Approximately 65-80% of patients survive at least one year after diagnosis.

3-Year Survival Rate: Around 50% of patients survive at least three years.

5-Year Survival Rate: Approximately 20-25% of patients survive at least five years.

Fortunately, there are several factors contributing to the higher survival rates of a Peritoneal mesothelioma patient:

Effectiveness of HIPEC: This treatment involves the surgical removal of as much of the tumor as possible (cytoreductive surgery), followed by the direct application of heated chemotherapy into the abdominal cavity. This combination has effectively managed peritoneal mesothelioma and improved survival rates.

Early Detection: When detected early, peritoneal mesothelioma is often more localized, making surgical interventions more effective.

Patient Health and Demographics: Younger patients and those with good overall health typically respond better to aggressive treatments.

Cell Type: The epithelioid cell type, which is the most common in peritoneal mesothelioma, tends to have a better prognosis than other cell types, such as sarcomatoid or biphasic.

Specialized Treatment Centers: Access to specialized cancer treatment centers with experience in mesothelioma can significantly improve outcomes.

Pericardial mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon type of mesothelioma that specifically impacts the pericardium, a thin membrane surrounding the heart. It is a rare form, constituting only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases. Early diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is challenging, and as a result, it is often detected at an advanced stage, which significantly reduces the chances of survival.

Symptoms: Chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, and fluid development around the heart

Survival: The prognosis for pericardial mesothelioma is generally poor, with survival rates reflecting the aggressive nature of the disease and the challenges in treatment.

1-Year Survival Rate: Less than 50% of patients survive one year after diagnosis.

5-Year Survival Rate: The five-year survival rate is very low, often less than 5%.

Treatment options for pericardial mesothelioma are limited due to the delicate location of the tumor and the often advanced stage at diagnosis. Possible treatments include:

Surgery: In cases where the disease is detected early, surgery might be attempted to remove the tumor, but this is often risky due to the close proximity to the heart.

Chemotherapy and Radiation: These treatments may be used to manage symptoms and attempt to control the spread of the disease.

Palliative Care: Focused on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life, especially in advanced stages.

In Conclusion

While the mesothelioma survival rate remains a critical concern, it’s essential to remember that these statistics are averages and may not accurately predict individual outcomes. Advances in treatment, early detection, and personalized care are gradually improving these rates, offering hope to patients and families affected by this challenging disease. Staying informed, seeking specialized medical care, and exploring all available treatment options can make a significant difference in the journey with mesothelioma.