What Happens In The Final Stages Of Mesothelioma?
What Happens In The Final Stages Of Mesothelioma?
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Stage 4 mesothelioma is a very advanced stage of mesothelioma. At this stage, tumors that first develop in the lining of the lungs, stomach, or other areas begin to spread to other parts of the body. Its life expectancy is 8 – 12 months and sometimes it may be 12 to 21 months after diagnosis. There is very little to live at this stage, there are no surgeries to extend the life span. But, chemotherapy can improve a patient’s quality of life.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is one aggressive type of cancer. That develops in the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body’s organs. It’s connected to asbestos exposure.
Types of Mesothelioma:
There are 3 types of Mesothelioma cancer. They are
1. Pleural mesothelioma:
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma cancer. This type of mesothelioma attacks the pleura, the lining around the lungs.
2. Peritoneal mesothelioma:
This is the next most common type of mesothelioma cancer. It affects the lining of the abdomen, which means, the peritoneum.
3. Pericardial mesothelioma:
We can say this is the rarest type of mesothelioma cancer. It affects the protective layer of the heart, which means the pericardium.
After diagnosis, some people may survive for a long time or some short time. That is either 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or longer. The survival rates differ, which means it depends on the types of mesothelioma.
What is the main cause of mesothelioma?
There is a direct connection between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos. Which means a combination of six minerals comprising long, thin fibers.
Asbestos fibers refer to a group of minerals that exist as bundles. These fibers are found in many parts of the world. It contains silicon, oxygen, and some other mineral elements.
When a person installs, repairs, or dismantles asbestos products, the fibers can become airborne. People may inhale this air.
If people inhale this air or swallow it, it can reside in the lungs or gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes it can stay there most of the time. Those particles can also affect other organs.
What is the life expectancy of a person with mesothelioma?
The average life expectancy of a person with mesothelioma is 12 to 21 months after diagnosis. Some mesothelioma patients may survive longer lives. It depends on the stages, tumor location, and mesothelioma cell type.
Stage 4 Mesothelioma Cancer Symptoms
Breathlessness and coughing are more severe at stage 4 mesothelioma. There are some other common symptoms at this stage. They are:
- Dyspnea or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Nightsweats
- Fatigue/tiredness
- Chest pain
- Tightness in the chest
- Dysphagia or discomfort in swallowing
- Hemoptysis or coughing up blood from some part of the lungs
- Malaise is also called a general feeling of discomfort or illness
- Extreme weight loss
- lack or loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Fluid collects in the abdominal or chest
Symptoms of mesothelioma differ, depending on the type of mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma:
It is the most common type of asbestos-related cancer, which affects the lungs. During the final stages of pleural mesothelioma, cancer may spread to distant organs. Symptoms at this stage may include shortness of breath, chest pain, painful coughing, severe weight loss.
Peritoneal mesothelioma:
It takes place in tissue in the abdomen. Symptoms at this stage may include Abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, and extreme weight loss.
Pericardial mesothelioma:
It is a rare form of mesothelioma cancer that develops on the lining of the heart. It may cause breathing difficulty and chest pains.
Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis:
It is the rarest case of mesothelioma cancer. It affects the tissue around the testicles. Swelling may first appear in the testicle.
What Happens In The Final Stages Of Mesothelioma?
1. Fatigue and weakness occur.
2. Weight loss or muscle wasting.
3. No appetite or interest.
4. slow breathing
5. The skin may turn blue
6. Decreased urine output
8. Dry mouth and lips.