Malignant Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells of the serous membranes in the body. The most common form of mesothelioma affects the lining of the lung. Two to three thousand cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed each year.

Malignant mesothelioma affects the membranes of certain large cavities in the body. These large cavities, called the serous cavities, house certain major organs in the body. The membranes that surround these cavities are the serous membranes; they serve to protect these major organs from friction and abrasion that occur as the organs move against each other during typical daily body functioning. The serous membranes derive from specialized cells called mesothelial cells, which form to create the mesothelium. Cancer that occurs in the mesothelium tissue is called mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most common in the pleura, or the lining surrounding the lung, but it also develops in the perdicardium, in the peritoneum and in the tunica vaginalis testis.

Learn more about mesothelioma.

All mesotheliomas are considered to be malignant. They start as a localized tumor and spread to include most of the surrounding tissues and organs. Originally, fibrous cists and other non-cancerous growths appearing in the serous membranes were thought to be mesotheliomas, and were termed "benign fibrous mesothelioma" and "multicystic mesothelioma." They are now known not to originate in the mesothelial cells, but other cells within the serous membranes. These conditions are typically localized, non-cancerous and do not spread rapidly.

Most malignant mesotheliomas are associated with a previous exposure to fibrous minerals, like asbestos. There is indisputable evidence of the role of these fibers in the development of mesothelioma. Not everyone who is exposed to asbestos fibers develops mesothelioma, suggesting that other factors may also be involved.

Although mesothelioma is rare, it is a deadly disease. It is often in the painful advanced stages when it is detected, so the outlook for the patients is not as good as it is for the cancers that are detected earlier.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer resulting from asbestos exposure. Get more information on the three types of mesothelioma - pleura mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma - and types of cancer cells: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic.

Learn more about Mesothelioma Treatment.

Following are sources of information on mesothelioma:

Alliance for Lung Cancer: Mesothelioma Essentials - Information, resources and support (non-profit organization).
Cancer.gov - Resources for lay and professional viewers. Includes causes, prevention, genetics, treatment options and clinical trials.
CenterWatch - Listing of mesothelioma clinical research trials throughout the U.S.
General Practice Notebook: Pleural Mesothelioma - Clinically-oriented information.
HealthHubs - Links to information and resources for mesothelioma.
How is Mesothelioma Treated? - Patient information on the treatment of the condition from the National Cancer Institute.
InteliHealth: Mesothelioma - General overview information.

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