What Is Mesothelioma Lung Cancer?
Mesothelioma lung cancer is a cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that surrounds major organs. The most common types include:
- Pleural mesothelioma (lungs)
- Peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen)
- Pericardial mesothelioma (heart)
- Testicular mesothelioma (testicles)
Asbestos fibers can stay in the body for decades. Over time, they cause inflammation and scarring that leads to cancer.
Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Stages: How the Disease Progresses
Doctors typically use a four-stage system to describe how advanced mesothelioma lung cancer is at the time of diagnosis.
Stage I
Mesothelioma lung cancer is present in the right or left pleura and may also involve the diaphragm on the same side.
- Cancer is localized to one area
- Symptoms are mild or nonexistent
- Best chance for aggressive treatment such as surgery
Stage II
- Tumor has grown but is still primarily in one side of the chest
- Symptoms may include chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath
- Surgery may still be an option
Stage III
- Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues
- Symptoms become more noticeable and persistent
- Multimodal therapy (surgery, chemo, immunotherapy) may be recommended
Stage IV
- Cancer has metastasized to distant organs
- Symptoms are severe and quality of life becomes the primary focus
- Treatment aims to manage pain and slow progression
Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
Symptoms vary by type and stage but can include:
Pleural Mesothelioma
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
- Fluid buildup in the chest
Pericardial Mesothelioma
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Fluid buildup around the heart (pericardial effusion)
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Changes in appetite
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Bowel changes
Trades with Asbestos Exposure
The following trades have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma lung cancer:
- ✓Miners and drillmen
- ✓Offshore rust removals
- ✓Manufactured asbestos products
- ✓Vehicle repair
- ✓Power plants
- ✓Ship builders
- ✓Railway workers
- ✓Construction workers
- ✓Maritime workers
- ✓Oil refinery workers
- ✓Abrasive manufacturers
- ✓Steel mills
Occupations
The following occupations have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma lung cancer:
- ✓Auto Mechanics
- ✓Hod carriers
- ✓Insulators
- ✓Plumbers
- ✓Merchant marines
- ✓Millwrights
- ✓Operating Engineers
- ✓Painters
- ✓Plasterers
- ✓Roofers
- ✓Sand blasters
- ✓Sheet metal workers
- ✓Laborers
- ✓Longshoremen
- ✓Maintenance workers
- ✓Bricklayers
- ✓Building Inspectors
- ✓Carpenters
- ✓Dry wall workers
- ✓Electricians
- ✓Floor Coverings
- ✓Furnace Workers
- ✓Glazers
- ✓Boiler makers
- ✓Iron workers
- ✓Grinders
- ✓Steam fitters
- ✓Tile seters
- ✓Welders
- ✓United States Navy veterans