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Mesothelioma, an aggressive but rare form of cancer, is most often caused by inhalation of airborne asbestos particles. It often takes several years to develop, and most commonly develops in the lungs and stomach lining. Mesothelioma has been linked to a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath and fatigue.

However, asbestos exposure and mesothelioma have not been definitively linked to esophageal cancer.[1]  In a study published in 2006, there were no known cases of esophageal cancer caused directly by asbestos exposure. Instead, esophageal cancer is caused by other factors like smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol and Barrett’s esophagus. However, because esophageal cancer is rare, there may not be enough data is completely rule out the cancer being caused by asbestos exposure.[2]

Though mesothelioma hasn’t been shown to to develop directly in the esophagus, it can spread to the esophagus. Malignant pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of mesothelioma, is the only form that is classified by different stages. These stages are determined by the size of the main tumor, the spread of the cancer to lymph nodes, and the metastasis of the cancer, or its spread to distant sites.[3]

In the late stages of mesothelioma, especially stage IIIB and stage IV, metastasis to the esophagus and other organs in the mediastinum is possible. In these stages, the cancer may or may not have spread to the lymph nodes. It also may or may not have spread to other structures, like the bones or distant organs.[4]

Mesothelioma that spreads to the esophagus may present similar symptoms of esophageal cancer. This includes difficulty swallowing, indigestion and heartburn, hoarseness, coughing, unintended weight loss, and chest pain or pressure.[5]

If stage IIIB or stage IV mesothelioma has developed and led to its spread to the esophagus, treating the cancer may become difficult, if not impossible. Survival rates decrease significantly,[6] and treatment options are often palliative instead of curative, especially for stage IV mesothelioma.

Palliative care is more focused on making a patient comfortable instead of curing mesothelioma. This may include treating symptoms and side effects instead of the tumor itself. Palliative care may also include emotional, spiritual and social treatment, including helping a patient get their affairs in order.[7]

Because stage IV mesothelioma that’s spread to the esophagus is nearly impossible to treat, palliative care may be recommended instead of curative care.

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20669440

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK20339/

 

[3] https://www.iaslc.org/sites/default/files/wysiwyg-assets/35348-cards-erx_combined_trap_card11_copy.pdf

 

[4] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging.html

[5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/esophageal-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20356084

[6] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-statistics.html

[7] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000536.htm