Mesothelioma: An Overview

Mesothelioma may be relatively rare as far as cancers go but make no mistake - it is deadly. It is a type of cancer that is found in the lining of the lungs, chest cavity, abdomen and heart. The cancerous cells line these cavities and form a tissue called mesothelium. Mesothelium tumors can be benign or cancerous. However, they are most often cancerous and the cancer is aggressive. If the cancer is found in the chest cavity it is called pleural mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma
This type of cancer is most often caused by asbestos exposure. In fact, about 80 percent of patients with pleural mesothelioma have a history of exposure to asbestos. This includes people who worked directly with asbestos and members of their households since asbestos could be introduced into the home on a worker’s clothing and equipment. The 20 percent minority of other patients may develop the disease from chronic lung infections, tuberculosis, radiation or exposure to certain minerals or fibers.

Pleural mesothelioma is diagnosed in about 2,000 to 3,000 patients a year in the United States. Currently, more men than women are diagnosed. This is likely because the disease often presents itself 20 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. That means that people who worked with asbestos between 1968 and 1988 are just being diagnosed with mesothelioma now and it was most often men who were in the asbestos using industries during that time in United States history. Affected industries include the shipbuilding, construction, milling, heating and asbestos production industries.

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose and to treat. So, if you have worked with asbestos in the past be sure that your doctors are aware of your history and inform you about symptoms and risks of the disease. As with most types of cancer, early treatment is essential. However, for mesothelioma early treatment is critical since the 5 year survival rate is only approximately 5 percent.