What Is Mesothelioma?

Cancer that affects the mesothelium i.e. the protective layer of tissue that covers most of the internal organs in the body, is known as mesothelioma. This is very deadly and aggressive, but a rare form of cancer. Mesothelioma is categorised into various types on the basis of the part of the mesothelium that is affected.

Most of the cases of mesothelioma start in the chest cavity, where the pleural mesothelium is affected. This is known as pleural mesothelioma. The disease can also originate in the abdominal cavity and this is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. It can also start around the testicles and also around the heart.

Irrespective where mesothelioma originates, the malignant cells that arise from the mesothelium can attack and damage all the tissues around. The cancerous cells can spread or metastasize to the other parts of the body.

Most often, mesothelioma is quite advanced by the time the disease is diagnosed and typically the 5-year survival rate of the patient is around 5-10%. Most of the patients suffering from mesothelioma die of either contracting pneumonia or due to respiratory failure. When a tumour extends through the diaphragm, some of the patients develop a small-bowel block. A few patients die due to cardiac problems when a tumour enters the pericardium or the thin membrane that covers the heart or the heart itself.

Mesothelioma does not include the benign form of a tumour that is noncancerous and occurs in the chest. This benign form is known as a solitary fibrous tumour or benign mesothelioma. 

What Are The Symptoms Of Mesothelioma?

The symptoms of mesothelioma do not usually appear until 20-50 years after the initial exposure to asbestos.

The main symptoms of mesothelioma of the lungs are:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath

Symptoms of abdominal or peritoneal mesothelioma are:

• Swelling and pain in the abdomen
• Weight loss
• Obstruction of the bowel
• Abnormality in clotting of the blood
• Fever, anaemia
•  

If the cancer spreads and affects the other parts of the body, the symptoms cause may include:

• Swallowing difficulties
• Swelling of the face and neck
• Pain

What Are The Causes Of Mesothelioma?

• The main cause of mesothelioma is working with asbestos (a material made of a group of minerals comprising thin microscopic fibres).
• If you belong to the family or live with workers who work with asbestos who bring home the asbestos dust on their hair and clothes.
• People living close to asbestos mines.
• Other possible causes of mesothelioma are:
• Exposure to zeolites, which are minerals that are chemically related to asbestos.
• Exposure to high doses of radiation to the abdomen or chest or after the administration of thorium dioxide injections.
• Infection caused due to the SV40 (Simian Virus 40) may increase the risk of mesothelioma.
• Genetics may increase the risk of contracting mesothelioma.  

What Are The Things One Should Do To Manage Mesothelioma?

• If you notice any symptoms that indicate mesothelioma then see a doctor immediately, especially if you have been exposed to asbestos.
• Get more exercise and keep fit. This can keep you in shape physically and improve your mental health too.
• Follow a balanced and nutritious diet and maintain a healthy weight.
• Use healthy methods to cook food like baking, steaming, boiling and sautéing. Avoid deep frying, grilling or cooking over very high heat as these methods are unhealthy and some may even cause the formation of carcinogens. 

What Are The Things One Should Avoid To Manage Mesothelioma?

• Include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet as these foods are rich in antioxidants and can help to protect your body and also restore it from the damage caused by mesothelioma.
• Your body may require some fat and extra weight while you are undergoing treatment for mesothelioma. The fat provides energy to the body and prevents tiredness and fatigue. However, choose “good” unsaturated sources of fats like nuts, avocados, olive oil, seafood, etc. 
• Have foods that are rich in protein like fish, chicken, lean meat, nuts, dried beans, soy and soy products, peas, lentils and dairy foods as the protein helps to rebuild your tissues that have been damaged by mesothelioma and also help to boost your immune system.
• The body requires carbohydrates that will give it energy, especially when you are suffering from mesothelioma. Choose healthy carbohydrate sources like corn, potatoes, whole grains, whole wheat pasta, bread, cereals and brown rice.
• Eat foods that are rich in starches like beans, red potatoes, whole grain cereal, wild and brown rice as they help in providing the body with pure energy. Starches contain complex carbohydrates that stabilise the blood sugar. Starches also have certain compounds known as protease inhibitors that inhibit the growth of tumours.
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated when you are suffering from mesothelioma to avoid being dehydrated. 

What Are The Best Foods For Mesothelioma?

• Avoid foods that the body cannot tolerate when you are suffering from cancer like mesothelioma like spicy, fried and fatty foods like chips, fries, burgers, pastries, etc.
• Avoid eating too much of meat, especially red meat, as it is very high in saturated fat which is not helpful in fighting cancer. Reduce the consumption of other kinds of meat too and stick mostly to plant-based foods.
• Avoid unhealthy snacking like chips, crackers, etc. as these have no nutritional value.  

What Are The Worst Foods For Mesothelioma?

 

• Avoid foods that the body cannot tolerate when you are suffering from cancer like mesothelioma like spicy, fried and fatty foods like chips, fries, burgers, pastries, etc.
• Avoid eating too much of meat, especially red meat, as it is very high in saturated fat which is not helpful in fighting cancer. Reduce the consumption of other kinds of meat too and stick mostly to plant-based foods.
• Avoid unhealthy snacking like chips, crackers, etc. as these have no nutritional value.  

What Are The Medicines For Mesothelioma?

What Are The Tips To Manage Mesothelioma?

Suffering from mesothelioma can be emotionally trying and you will need comfort and support during this time. Your family and friends can help or you can join a cancer support group, online support communities, spiritual group or consult a counsellor for support.

You must avoid stress and anxiety. Taking up calming activities like yoga, meditation and practicing breathing techniques can help in calming you.

If you are having financial troubles and are not able to support your treatment for mesothelioma, there are many organizations and companies that can help you.