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How Does Mesothelioma Affect the Lymph Nodes?
Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. However, recent studies have shown that there may be other causes of mesothelioma. Specifically, the study, published in Blood Journal, identified mesothelioma in patients being treated for lymphoma.
The researchers examined more than 2,500 patients who had survived 5 years with Hodgkin lymphoma and had undergone radiation therapy for the cancer. It was discovered that those patients’ risk of developing mesothelioma as a result of that radiation therapy was increased 30-fold compared to the general population. What’s more, the exposure to asbestos in study subjects was surprisingly low[1].
In addition, lymphoma and mesothelioma may present themselves concurrently. Another study included an older patient who was exposed to asbestos for years. She developed Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy. A few years later, she developed mesothelioma. The connection between asbestos and lymphoma is not certain, but the link between lymphoma and mesothelioma is not considered exceptional[2].
In very rare cases, lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma can develop. This type of cancer can often be misdiagnosed as lymphoma, due to the cancer’s cellular makeup[3]. It is a very rare subtype of sarcomatoid mesothelioma, which itself is the rarest form of mesothelioma. The cancer is made of a bundle of inflammatory white blood cells, immobile white blood cells and blood plasma[4]. Lymphohistiocytoid mesothelioma is impossible to treat with cancer, and other therapies may reduce the size of the tumors, but will not eliminate them altogether.
Finally, pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the lungs) can travel to the lymph nodes. By stage II of mesothelioma, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes[5]. Mesothelioma spreading to the lymph nodes can cause lymphedema[6], which is a buildup of fluids and fatty tissue around the nodes.
Like mesothelioma, lymphedema cannot be cured[7]. However, certain medicines and other therapies can be cured. In some cases, certain surgical procedures can reduce the buildup of fluid and tissue around the lymph nodes. Massaging, skincare and remedial exercises may also be effective. A mesothelioma patient’s doctor may prescribe certain treatments for lymphedema in conjunction with mesothelioma treatments to control both conditions.
[1] http://www.bloodjournal.org/content/113/16/3679?sso-checked=true
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28272659
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10800396
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15693633
[5] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging.html
[6] http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/diagnosis-and-treatment/managing-side-effects/lymphedema/?region=on
[7] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180919.php
