Mesothelioma: what is it, and what is the prognosis?

Mesothelioma, a type of cancer that primarily affects the stomach, heart, and lungs, can be fatal if diagnosed at a late stage, and is typically diagnosed in men between the ages of 60 and 80. Here to reveal the condition’s causes and prognosis, is revered medical oncologist, Dr Omar Khan.

What is mesothelioma?

It is a type of cancer that begins in the tissues that line the heart, lungs, stomach, and occasionally, other organs as well.

What causes it?

Mesothelioma is usually linked to asbestos exposure. However, only roughly 10 per cent of people who have been exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma.

Very rarely, it can be caused by radiation exposure too, so people who undergo radiotherapy may develop mesothelioma.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

There are a handful of symptoms associated with mesothelioma. The most common ones are:

• fluid build-up in the lungs
• chest pain
• breathlessness

Rare symptoms can include abdominal and scrotal swelling, and as the disease progresses, people can often lose weight, feel quite fatigued, and suffer from a loss of appetite.

Is mesothelioma curable?

Unfortunately, it is almost never curable. This is simply due to the fact that most patients will be diagnosed with the illness when it is at an advanced stage. Surgery is an option for a minority of patients, but there is a high risk of mortality with this surgery.

What is the prognosis?

The prognosis of mesothelioma, is, as a consequence, not very good. About 50 per cent of people diagnosed with mesothelioma live for about a year, and only 10 per cent live for up to five years after diagnosis.

How is mesothelioma treated?

Treatments for mesothelioma are designed to control the disease and improve the symptoms, but not to cure it. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are effective, with immunotherapy being slightly more effective when it comes to offering people a better quality of life.

Dr Omar Khan is a highly esteemed and skilled Swindon-based medical oncologist who specialises in mesothelioma. Consult with him today if you are suffering from the symptoms outlined in the above article.