Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the lining of certain organs, called the mesothelium. The specific organ impacted depends largely on where the cancer forms. Doctors classify mesothelioma by its location, and each type can impact the body in unique ways.
Although mesothelioma begins in these protective linings, it can spread (metastasize) to nearby tissues and other parts of the body as the disease progresses. This spread can damage critical organs and lead to life-threatening complications.
In later stages, mesothelioma may affect organs like the lungs, liver, kidneys, intestines, diaphragm, and spleen. The extent of organ involvement varies depending on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has advanced.
“If the tumor is invaded through the peritoneum into organs and you have to take out the spleen, gallbladder, uterus, colon, small bowel, piece of the stomach, on and on and on, it can take a lot longer to recover, so the patients have to be prepared for that.”
– Dr. Edward Levine, Mesothelioma Surgeon
As the cancer spreads, it can interfere with normal organ function and eventually lead to organ failure. Below, we break down how mesothelioma can affect specific organs in the body.
Lungs
Mesothelioma affects the lungs through pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the pleura, the thin lining around the lungs and inside the chest wall.
Although it doesn’t start in the lung tissue itself, pleural mesothelioma can significantly impact lung function. As tumors grow, they cause the pleura to thicken, reducing the lungs’ ability to expand fully and making it harder to breathe.
This cancer often leads to fluid buildup between the pleural layers, which can further compress the lungs and worsen symptoms. As tumors and fluid continue to build, the lung may become compressed or even collapse, reducing oxygen levels and making breathing increasingly difficult.
Managing breathing problems caused by pleural mesothelioma is critical to maintaining your quality of life. Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide to explore treatment options that may help you breathe easier and live longer.
Intestines
Mesothelioma can affect the intestines primarily through peritoneal mesothelioma, which develops in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen where the intestines are located.
As tumors form along this lining, they can cause scarring and blockages, potentially leading to partial or complete bowel obstruction. When the intestines’ normal movement is disrupted, digestion and nutrient absorption suffer, often resulting in weight loss and fatigue.
Peritoneal mesothelioma may also lead to fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), which can put pressure on the intestines and worsen bloating, discomfort, and other digestive symptoms.
Diaphragm
The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle located just below the lungs that plays a key role in breathing. In cases of pleural mesothelioma, the diaphragm is often affected because it shares the same protective lining as the lungs.
As mesothelioma tumors grow, they can invade the diaphragm’s lining, causing it to thicken and stiffen. This limits the diaphragm’s movement and can make it harder to breathe comfortably.
Tumor involvement in the diaphragm may cause:
- Discomfort that radiates to the shoulder
- Pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen
- Reduced lung function due to restricted movement
In more advanced stages, mesothelioma metastasis can penetrate the diaphragm and spread into the abdominal cavity, potentially impacting nearby abdominal organs as well.
“Sometimes our staging would also involve laparoscopy to look inside the abdomen and determine if it’s grown through the diaphragm or not. And so once we do staging, diagnosis, staging, then we come up with a plan.”
– Dr. Matthew Steliga, Mesothelioma Thoracic Surgeon
Kidneys
In advanced cases of peritoneal mesothelioma, the cancer may impact the kidneys indirectly. As tumors grow in the abdomen, they can press on or invade nearby structures, including the kidneys or ureters (tubes that carry urine to the bladder). This pressure may cause urinary blockages or reduce kidney function.
In addition, chemotherapy and other mesothelioma treatments can affect kidney health, so doctors closely monitor kidney function during therapy.
Liver
Similarly, advanced peritoneal mesothelioma can spread to or press against the liver, bile ducts, or blood vessels, disrupting liver function and digestion.
This can lead to:
- Jaundice (a buildup of waste products in the body)
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Pain in the upper right abdomen
When the liver is affected, mesothelioma treatment may focus on easing symptoms and controlling tumor growth through options like chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or palliative (pain-relieving) care.
Lymph Nodes
Mesothelioma often spreads to the lymph nodes as the disease progresses. These small, bean-shaped glands are part of the immune system and help filter harmful substances from the body.
When cancer cells reach the lymph nodes, they can multiply and cause them to swell. This can lead to discomfort or blocked lymphatic drainage, which can contribute to fluid buildup (lymphedema or pleural/peritoneal effusion).
Lymph node involvement usually signals that mesothelioma is more advanced and may be more likely to spread throughout the body. In these cases, late-stage care can help patients stay comfortable and manage symptoms.
Spleen
In advanced cases of peritoneal mesothelioma, the cancer may spread to or invade the spleen. Located in the upper left abdomen, the spleen can be impacted when tumors in the peritoneal lining extend to its surface or tissue.
If involved, the spleen may not function properly in filtering blood or supporting the immune system, which can increase the risk of infections and other complications.
Bones
In advanced stages of mesothelioma, the cancer can spread to bone tissue. This type of spread is uncommon but serious, and often signals that the disease is progressing aggressively.
When this happens, it may lead to:
- Increased risk of fractures
- Limited mobility or weakness
- Persistent bone pain
Bone metastasis may affect areas like the spine, ribs, pelvis, or limbs, depending on where the original cancer developed and how far it has spread.
Brain
In extremely rare cases, mesothelioma may metastasize to the brain. This is most likely to occur in the late stages of pleural mesothelioma, after the cancer has already reached other parts of the body.
Mesothelioma metastasis to the brain can cause:
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Memory loss
- Personality changes
- Seizures
However, brain metastases from mesothelioma are very uncommon. In most cases, the cancer remains confined to the chest or abdominal area.
Heart
Pericardial mesothelioma affects the pericardium, the thin lining around the heart. As tumors grow, they can cause fluid buildup, inflammation, and restricted heart function, potentially leading to organ failure.
One serious complication is pericardial effusion, where fluid collects around the heart and puts pressure on it, making it harder to pump blood.
Symptoms may include:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
In severe cases, this can lead to cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening emergency. Tumor growth may also thicken or inflame the lining, restrict movement, and disrupt the heart’s rhythm.
While this cancer usually stays in the lining, in advanced cases it can invade the heart muscle or nearby tissues.
Testes
Testicular mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of the disease that affects the tunica vaginalis, the lining around the testes. It often presents with subtle symptoms, making early detection difficult.
The most common sign is a painless lump or swelling in the scrotum, which may be mistaken for a benign condition like a hydrocele (fluid buildup). In some cases, the swelling may become painful as the tumor grows.
In more advanced stages, testicular mesothelioma may spread to nearby lymph nodes or organs in the abdominal or pelvic region.
However You’re Affected, We Can Help
At Mesothelioma Hope, we’re here to support you and your family at every step after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Our compassionate team is available 24/7 to guide you through the challenges ahead.
We can help you:
- Understand your symptoms and get a diagnosis
- Connect with top doctors near you
- Schedule appointments faster and with less stress
- Explore financial support to help cover treatment costs
Contact our team today, even if you just need someone to talk to. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to face this journey by yourself.
