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Is There a Relationship Between Mesothelioma and IPF?
Mesothelioma is an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer, almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. The main form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, in which the disease affects the outer lining of the lungs. The reason for this is that asbestos particles that cause mesothelioma are most often inhaled.
However, mesothelioma is not the only disease caused by exposure to asbestos. A recent study conducted in the United Kingdom found a correlation between mesothelioma mortality and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) mortality[1]. This may be because both diseases are caused by historic asbestos exposure. In addition, differentiating between IPF and asbestosis, another disease related to asbestos exposure, can be difficult.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that causes scarring, or fibrosis, primarily on the interstitium, or the areas around the air sacs of the lungs. Previously, the cause of this disease was unknown. This may still be true for patients with no history of asbestos exposure[2]. However, the study from the United Kingdom has shown a correlation between IPF and asbestos exposure.
The symptoms of IPF are similar to those of mesothelioma[3]. Patients may feel shortness of breath or chronic cough. They may also experience chest tightness or pain, fatigue, loss of appetite, or clubbing in the fingers.
Another similarity between mesothelioma and IPF is the fact that there is no cure for either disease[4]. Both diseases cause scarring on the lungs, which cannot be reversed. The progression of the disease is also unable to be stopped. However, there are some medications that can slow the progression of the scarring and provide comfort for those who are affected.
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for those with mesothelioma, because the risk of surgical procedures are often too risky due to the patient’s age. Though not idiopathic (meaning of unknown origin), pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by chemotherapy[5]. It’s believed certain genes are associated with the development of pulmonary fibrosis after chemotherapy.
Patients who have either IPF or mesothelioma must follow any treatments prescribed by their physician. These treatments may include medications, chemotherapy, surgery and palliative care options if the disease has advanced to a late stage.
[1] https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/48/suppl_60/OA457
[2] https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/lung-disease/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis
[3] https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/lung-disease/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis/symptoms
[4] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10959-idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis/management-and-treatment
[5] https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/19/5/912
