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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
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Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer found in the mesothelium, the protective sac that surrounds most of the body's internal organs, such as the lungs, heart, and abdominal cavity. Most cases of mesothelioma develop in the mesothelium that covers the lungs and lines the chest wall (pleura) or in the mesothelium that lines the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). These cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body if not treated.
Because malignant mesothelioma takes a long time to develop (30-40 years) and tends to have early symptoms that are similar to those for other common conditions, the cancer may go undetected until it has progressed to later stages.
Asbestos exposure is known to be the major cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fiber that can be found in such products as cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. People who are exposed to asbestos and inhale or ingest asbestos fibers are at highest risk for developing mesothelioma. Most of these exposures involve on-the-job exposures for workers such as miners, ship builders, insulators, construction workers, and railroad workers. Renovation of older buildings and homes may also be a source of asbestos exposure.
Although higher levels of exposure to asbestos generally increase a person's risk for developing mesothelioma, not all persons heavily exposed develop the cancer. Occasionally, individuals have developed mesothelioma, even though they have experienced no known, or very low levels, of exposure to asbestos. However, the best way to prevent malignant mesothelioma is to avoid or limit exposure to asbestos fibers.
Each year an estimated 2,000-3,000 new cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed in the US, with rates being 5 times higher in men than in women. Since the 1990s, rates have stabilized and may now be declining. Although smoking does not increase the risk for developing mesothelioma, smoking does significantly increase the risk for lung cancer when combined with asbestos exposure.
If you or a loved one has malignant mesothelioma, you may want to talk with your doctor about the possibility of participating in a clinical trial. Clinical trials help to find new treatments or improvements on current treatments. This may be an important treatment option for you. Visit Clinical Trials.gov to locate a current malignant mesothelioma study.
Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers (National Cancer Institute)
Overview: Malignant Mesothelioma (American Cancer Society)
This article is a NetWellness exclusive. 
Last Reviewed: Aug 14, 2007
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Patrick Ross, MD, PhD Surgical Director, Lung Transplantation Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery Department of Surgery College of Medicine The Ohio State University |
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