Revised May 2010
This information should not be used to self-diagnose, or be used in place of a qualified physician’s care.
- Patients with mesothelioma are treated by members of the BC Cancer Agency’s Lung Tumour Group.
- For healthcare professional information on treating this cancer, please see our Cancer Management Guidelines.
- The mesothelium is a thin membrane that surrounds the inner organs in the body. It produces a fluid that lubricates the outer surface of the organ so it can slide against other organs. For example, the fluid makes it easier for the lungs to move inside the chest while a person breathes.
- Mesothelioma can occur in the chest (pleural), abdomen (peritoneal) and sometimes the heart (pericardial).
- The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural (in the chest) in the lining outside of the lungs.
What causes it and who gets it?
Listed below are some of the known risk factors for this cancer. Not all of the risk factors below may cause this cancer, but they may be contributing factors.
- Mesothelioma is not common.
- In 60-70% of mesothelioma cases the person has been exposed to asbestos.
- People at highest risk are those employed in these areas:
- the asbestos industry
- dockyard workers, especially if they dismantle asbestos-insulated steam piping
- workers who handle and manufacture asbestos compounds
- insulators and steam fitters
- demolition and construction workers
- Men are most commonly affected because they are usually employed in this type of industry.
- Spouses and children of asbestos workers are also at risk, especially if soiled work clothing was brought into the home.
- The time between exposure to asbestos and when mesothelioma develops may be as long as 20-50 years. That is why mesothelioma usually affects men in their 50s, 60s and 70s.
- Statistics
- BC - There were 72 new cases of mesothelioma in British Columbia in 2007.
- Canada - There were 459 new cases of malignant mesothelioma in Canada in 2005.
Can I help to prevent it?
- Mesothelioma can be prevented by avoiding exposure to asbestos.
- Since the early 1970’s, laws have been put in place to limit asbestos use and exposure.
- The presence of asbestos fibre in the lungs of members of the general population suggests that exposure may occur unknowingly.
Screening for this cancer
- There are no screening methods for mesothelioma. By the time symptoms show up and mesothelioma is diagnosed, the disease is often advanced and is rarely curable.
Signs and Symptoms
- The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the location of the tumour, its size and whether it is benign or malignant.
- Symptoms occur as the fluid around the affected body organ thickens and prevents surrounding body organs from functioning normally.
| |
Type of
Mesothelioma |
Symptoms include: |
|
Pleural |
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Cough |
|
Peritoneal |
Abdominal pain or swelling
Weight loss
Nausea and vomiting |
|
Pericardial |
Shortness of breath
Heart rhythm disturbances |
|
Advanced |
Fatigue
Fever
Night sweats
Weight loss |
Diagnosis
This is a list of some or all of the tests used to diagnose this type of cancer.
- An X-ray can show whether the fluid around the organ has thickened.
- A CT scan can show the size and location of the tumour and whether it has spread.
- A needle can be inserted to retrieve a tissue sample that will be tested for cancer.
- Surgery may be required to explore the affected area, to get a tumour sample or to remove the entire tumour.
- For more information on all cancer diagnostic tests, see our Recommended Websites, Diagnosis section.
Types and Stages
Staging describes the extent of a cancer. The TNM classification system is used as the standard around the world. In general a lower number in each category means a better prognosis. The stage of the cancer is used to plan the treatment.
- T describes the site and size of the main tumour (primary);
- N describes involvement of lymph nodes;
- M relates to whether the cancer has spread (presence or absence of distant metastases).
| |
Stage I |
Mesothelioma involves the right or left pleura and may also have spread to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes are not involved. |
|
Stage II |
Mesothelioma has spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. |
|
Stage III |
Mesothelioma is now in the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side with or without spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumour. |
|
Stage IV |
Mesothelioma has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumour, to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Distant spreading or metastases is also included in this stage. |
Treatment
Cancer therapies can be highly individualized – your treatment may differ from what is described below.
- There is no cure for mesothelioma.
- The length of survival depends on the extent of the disease. Patients usually live up to one year after being diagnosed.
Surgery
- Some patients may be considered for the surgical removal of the lining or part of an organ.
- Surgery needs to be performed by very experienced surgeons.
- If surgery is considered, it is typically combined with other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.
- Often, surgery is not an option because of the local extent of the cancer or the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Radiation
- Radiation therapy does not have the power to cure mesothelioma but it may be used to control symptoms.
Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy is routinely considered in those fit enough to receive treatment.
- Up to forty percent of patients may have a temporary shrinkage of the tumour with currently available drugs.
General Support and Symptom Control
- Prescription drugs can control pain that is associated with mesothelioma.
- Fluid build up (pleural effusions) can be treated by surgery that removes the fluid. This enables the lung to re-expand and improves breathlessness.
- Some patients with mesothelioma may have very slow growing tumours. If the patient does not have symptoms, regular chest X-rays without specific therapy will track the tumour’s growth.
Follow-up after Treatment
- You will be returned to the care of your family doctor or specialist for regular follow-up.
- Follow-up testing is based on your type of cancer and your individual circumstances.
- The BCCA Survivorship Research Centre focusses on the issues that cancer survivors can face.
Coping with Cancer
The Coping with Cancer section of our website is a joint project among different BC Cancer Agency departments and programs. This website section provides information and links that can help cancer patients with the physical, emotional, psychological and practical aspects of care. Each cancer experience is different, but in one way or another, many cancer patients share the same needs.
The effects of cancer and its treatment can present unique challenges: from practical concerns like money and housing, to emotional concerns like anxiety and grief. If you need support with the practical and emotional impacts of cancer, or in managing symptoms and side effects you can use the information in Coping with Cancer to connect to these resources.
Search our library catalogue
- The BC Cancer Agency Library has many resources about cancer, coping, talking to children, etc. Please visit the Library in your Centre, call a librarian, or visit the Library online to see the many resources available.
- Automatically get a bibliography of books, videos and other items available through our library.
Recommended websites
The BC Cancer Agency has selected and evaluated these useful websites for your further information.
Mesothelioma
Breathlessness (Dyspnea)
Websites for cancer survivors, and how to stay healthy after treatment.
Videos
View videos on cancer-related topics that the BC Cancer Agency produces.
How can I help with research at BCCA?
BC Cancer Agency patients are very helpful when it comes to the fight against cancer. Here are a few ways that you can help:
This information has been reviewed and approved by a member of the Lung Tumour Group.