Mesothelioma
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What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma (pronounced mee-so-thee-lee-oma) is a cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin membrane that lines the chest and abdomen and surrounds the organs in these areas. The lining around the lungs is called the pleura and in the abdomen it is known as the peritoneum. (more about mesothelioma)

The pleura has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the lung and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the chest wall. The two layers of the pleura are usually in contact and slide over each other as we breathe. The membranes produce fluid, which allows them to slide over each other easily. (more about mesothelioma)

The lining of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. It also has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the abdominal wall. (more about mesothelioma)

Up to 9 out of 10 cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a natural mineral, mined from rock found in many countries. It is made up of tiny fibres that are as strong as steel but can be woven like cotton and are highly resistant to heat and chemicals. When asbestos is disturbed or damaged, it releases tiny fibres that can be breathed into the lungs and cause inflammation, a build-up of scar tissue (fibrosis) and sometimes cancer. (more about mesothelioma)

Mesothelioma often starts as many tiny lumps (nodules) in the pleura, which may not show up on scans or x-rays until they are quite large. The main symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are pain in the chest and breathlessness. Some people also notice that their voice becomes hoarse and they have a cough that does not go away. (more about mesothelioma)

Most people begin by seeing their GP when they have symptoms. Your GP will examine you and may arrange for you to have some tests or x-rays. You may be referred to hospital for these tests and for specialist advice and treatment. (more about mesothelioma)

The stage of a cancer is a term used to describe its size and whether it has spread beyond its original site. Knowing the extent of the cancer helps the doctors to decide on the most appropriate treatment. (more about mesothelioma)

The treatment for mesothelioma will depend on whether it is only in one place or has spread. Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma, unless it can be removed by an operation. (more about mesothelioma)

In the uncommon situation where the cancer is only in one area of the pleura (localised), surgery can be used to treat mesothelioma. It may involve removing part, or all, of the pleura and the lung tissue close to it, which is known as pleurectomy/decortication. (more about mesothelioma)

Radiotherapy treats cancer by using high-energy x-rays that destroy the cancer cells while doing as little harm as possible to normal cells. As a treatment for mesothelioma, radiotherapy is usually given to help relieve symptoms such as pain and breathlessness, rather than to try to cure the mesothelioma. Often, only one treatment or a few treatments are needed, but occasionally a course of treatment may be given over two weeks or so. (more about mesothelioma)

Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. They work by disrupting the growth of cancer cells. (more about mesothelioma)

There are many people available to help you and your family.

Most large cancer treatment hospitals have a specialist nurse. The specialist mesothelioma nurses answer questions on treatments, cancer and support services from people in their areas. They can also organise equipment that may be needed by people with mesothelioma, such as special beds or walking aids. (more about mesothelioma)

New workplace options resource kit supports cancer patients at home and at work.

Offered through EAPs, unique corporate benefit assists cancer patients through their illness, and assists with the management of related expenses.
The devastating impact of cancer on the individual and their loved ones is well understood ? almost every American has been touched in some way by the disease. Less known, is the financial cost that cancer imposes on society ? $110 billion in lost productivity and $60 billion in direct medical expenses. (more about mesothelioma)

Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer, usually associated with prolonged 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 which surrounds the heart. (more about mesothelioma)

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. (more about mesothelioma)

Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. (more about mesothelioma)

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. (more about mesothelioma)

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure. (more about mesothelioma)

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. (more about mesothelioma)

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 pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed. (more about mesothelioma)

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined. (more about mesothelioma)

Yes. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. (more about mesothelioma)