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What is Mesothelioma?

Updated: 8/16/2019
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11y ago

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Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost always caused by previous exposure to asbestos. It is a highly aggressive form of cancer that is usually resistant to standard cancer treatments. While there is no cure for mesothelioma, various clinical trials are studying the disease and several cases of remission have been reported. In addition, treatments are available that are effective at easing pain, suffering and symptoms, extend life expectancy and generally improve a patient's quality of life. Most mesothelioma patients may not even realize they have cancer until symptoms start to interfere with their daily lives. Symptoms generally don't appear until at least 20 after someone was exposed to asbestos, and sometimes symptoms are hidden for as long as 50 years.

Causes of Mesothelioma:

Before the grave dangers of asbestos were known, and even for years after the dangers were known, asbestos was used in literally thousands of products that humans and animals encounter every day - particularly in building components such as ceiling and floor tiles, walls, bricks and stucco, and in automotive parts such as brakes and clutches.

People who worked in the asbestos industry or in fields in which asbestos is used as a component of a product are most at risk for mesothelioma. Many individuals who have mesothelioma labored for years or even decades in jobs that required frequent contact with asbestos. When this mineral is mined, processed, woven, sprayed or otherwise manipulated, its microscopic fibers can be released into the air, where they may be inhaled, initiating the development of mesothelioma.

Types of Mesothelioma:

Mesothelioma can attack the pleural lining around the lungs. It can also attack the peritoneum, a tissue that surrounds the GI tract. Mesothelioma can attack the stomach lining, other internal organs, or even the pericardium (the tissue sac covering the heart). Thus, mesothelioma can be generally classified into the following types:

  • Pleural - 75% of all mesothelioma cases
  • Peritoneal - 10%-20%
  • Pericardial - 5%

Mesothelioma can also be classified by the cancer type rather than the location of the cancer:

  • Epithelioid - most common, best survival rate
  • Sarcomatoid - most severe, but more rare
  • Mixed/biphasic - a mixture of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cancer
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Q: What is Mesothelioma?
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Related questions

What are the types of Mesothelioma?

Pleural Mesothelioma affects the lungs, Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects the stomach and Pericardial Mesothelioma affects the heart. Pleural Mesothelioma was the cause of death of my father, he was exposed to asbestos while working in a ship yard, mixing and applying asbestos to pipes for Plumbing. It takes years for the tiny fibers from asbestos to eventually cause cancer.


Where can you find mesothelioma resources?

Mesothelioma is a rare and serious type of cancer. Several organizations offer help, information, and support for people with mesothelioma and their families. Places to visit include the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance and the Mesothelioma Center.


What is the commoname for mesothelioma?

Common name for mesothelioma is asbestos cancer. This is because asbestos exposure is the leading cause of the rare cancer known as mesothelioma. Due to its uncommon nature, mesothelioma is typically difficult to diagnose and treat. Therefore, spreading awareness about mesothelioma cancer is very important. There are several sites giving information on mesothelioma but Wikipedia's entry for mesothelioma at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesothelioma is fairly comprehensive and easy to read.


Can Mesothelioma be prevented?

Pleural Mesothelioma is treatable, but not considered to be curable.


Is Pleural Mesothelioma treatable?

Pleural Mesothelioma is treatable, but not considered to be curable.


Can you get lung cancer from asbestos with out getting mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma IS lung cancer.


Which people are most at risk of mesothelioma?

There are many people who are most at risk for mesothelioma. The people who are most at risk for mesothelioma are those who were exposed to asbestos at work.


What are some proven causes of mesothelioma cancer?

Some proven causes of mesothelioma cancer are smoking and drinking. You can read more at malignantperitonealmesothelioma.net/causes-of-mesothelioma


Are there different stages of Mesothelioma Cancer?

Yes, Mesothelioma cancer, like most cancers, has different stages. There are a total of five stages of mesothelioma cancer.


Where can reviews on Mesothelioma Asbestos lawyers be found?

Reviews for Mesothelioma, Asbestos lawyers can be found by searching Mesothelioma Lawyers. Another way to find Mesothelioma Asbestos Lawyers when searched will give you several phone listings of where to get help.


What is the cause of Mesothelioma in the lung?

The number one cause of Mesothelioma in the lung is exposure to asbestos. Only a couple of months worth of exposure can lead to Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma often takes up to 30 or 40 years to show up.


Where can one find a mesothelioma case?

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops from cells of the mesothelium. One can find a case of mesothelioma on websites such as Asbestos or Wikipedia.