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Index of Diseases and Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Mesothelioma

The tissue that lines your lungs, stomach, heart and other organs is called mesothelium. Mesothelioma is cancer of that tissue. It is a rare but serious type of cancer. It usually starts in the lungs, but can also start in the abdomen or other organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. It can take a long time - 30 to 50 years - between being around asbestos and getting the disease. Treatment includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or all three.

National Cancer Institute

Mesothelioma on Wikipedia

'''Mesothelioma''' is an uncommon form of cancer, usually associated with previous exposure to asbestos, which affects the pleura, a sac which surrounds the lungs, the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, or the pericardium, a sac that surrounds the heart. In this disease, malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed ...   [ Read More ]

External Resources

MSO1 for Mesothelioma - Information presented by a UK non-profit organization about a clinical trial for pleural mesothelioma.

CenterWatch - Listing of mesothelioma clinical research trials throughout the U.S.

How is Mesothelioma Treated? - Patient information on the treatment of the condition from the U.S. National Cancer Institute. Written in lay language for patients and their families.

HealthHubs - Links to information and resources for mesothelioma.

InteliHealth: Mesothelioma - General overview information.

Cancer Help - News and information about the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma from this UK foundation.

General Practice Notebook: Pleural Mesothelioma - Clinically-oriented information.

MEDLINE: Mesothelioma - Search results for abstracts of articles relating to this disease.

Cancer.gov: Malignant Mesothelioma - Array of information resources for lay and professional viewers. Includes causes, prevention, genetics, treatment options and clinical trials.

Virtual Hospital: Mesothelioma - Information on pleural mesotheliomas, including clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, pathology and case studies. From the University of Iowa.

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