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Mesothelioma and Pancreatic Cancer
Mesothelioma and pancreatic cancer are both highly aggressive forms of cancer known for their lethality. Some research suggests that the development of pancreatic cancer and malignant mesothelioma may have similar pathologies, but there is no known common cause or treatment for the two, to date. However, malignant pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma may potentially metastasize to the pancreas in their later stages.
Malignant mesothelioma refers to a rare form of cancer most commonly seen in workers repeatedly exposed to asbestos[1]. The vast majority of mesothelioma cases originate in the pleural lining surrounding the lungs, although an estimated 10% to 20% can originate in the peritoneal lining surrounding the stomach and other visceral organs[2].
Pancreatic cancer, on the other hand, affects the pancreas organ, which is located adjacent to the stomach. It is highly lethal and often associated with a poor prognosis. While just 3% of all cancers originate in the pancreas, pancreatic tumors account for 7% of all U.S. cancer deaths[3].
Like mesothelioma, the symptoms of cancer of the pancreas can be hard to detect early[4]. When diagnosed, pancreatic cancer tends to be in later stages, making treatment difficult and the prognosis poor. Pancreatic cancer also has a high tendency to metastasize to nearby vital organs.
Some researchers suspect that pancreatic cancer might have a relationship with the occupational exposure to certain substances. Hypothesizing that asbestos could be one such substance, researchers conducted a thorough case review of cancer incidence in workers with a history of asbestos exposure. The study found 2.8 times more pancreatic cancer cases than the expected background value, but many such cases were found to have originated elsewhere[5]. Therefore, the connection between asbestos exposure and pancreatic cancer still requires further exploration.
Pancreatic cancers do have a higher incidence rate among certain classifications of workers, particularly in the petrochemical[6] and metalworking industries that handled aluminum[7], chromium, or nickel[8]. A high pancreatic cancer incidence rate in the poultry industry has also prompted epidemiological research[9].
While no common cause between mesothelioma and pancreatic cancer is known as of yet, researchers have discovered a possible pathological connection between the two. A protein known as mesothelin is produced by tumors for multiple types of cancers, including both mesothelioma and pancreatic cancer[10]. This research could potentially allow for the early diagnosis of both diseases and could also reveal potential pathways towards effective treatment[11].
One final connection worth noting is that pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma can potentially metastasize to the pancreas, although the occurrence is rare[12]. Approxiamately 15% of malignant mesotheliomas will metastasize to the viscera, possibly including the pancreas[13]. Having both mesothelioma and pancreatic develop at the same time is even more rare, but there is at least one recorded case known[14].
In conclusion, those with a history of occupational exposure should be wary of the early warning signs of both mesothelioma and cancer of the pancreas, but they should also know that the two conditions do not have an established connection according to the most recent available medical knowledge.
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mesothelioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375022
[2] https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/mesothelioma/introduction
[3] https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/pancreatic-cancer/statistics
[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20355421
[5] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/1097-0142%2819810315%2947%3A6%2B%3C1469%3A%3AAID-CNCR2820471405%3E3.0.CO%3B2-U
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1035428/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1035428/?page=4
[8] https://oem.bmj.com/content/57/5/316
[9] https://nutritionfacts.org/2014/07/01/handling-poultry-tied-to-liverpancreatic-cancers/
[10] https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/41/3/706
[11] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/09/100928152015.htm
[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19605332
[13] https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.2017.35.15_suppl.8556
[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5228470/
