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Mesothelioma Common Questions
What is Mesothelioma? What
is the difference between pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma?
Malignant mesothelioma is
a disease in which a cancerous tumor grows on the mesothelium - the sac lining the
internal body cavities. The specific type of mesothelioma is named for the tissue
where the cancer started.Pleural mesothelioma starts in the chest,
in the pleura that surrounds the lungs (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall). It makes up about 70% of mesothelioma cases.
Peritoneal mesothelioma starts in the
lining of the abdominal cavity
Although sometimes referred
to as "asbestos lung cancer", mesothelioma is not the same as lung cancer. Lung
cancers occur inside the lung itself;
mesothelioma occurs in the lining
of the lung. Mesothelioma is rare, striking fewer than 3000 Americans per year.
How do you get malignant
mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, once regarded as a miracle mineral, was popular due its lightweight but
tough characteristics as well as for its heat-resistant properties. This naturally
occurring mineral was used in many commercial and consumer products, from construction
materials such as cement, roofing shingles and insulation, to consumer and industrial
applications such as hair dryers, automobile brake pads and pipe insulation.
Most people with malignant mesothelioma
worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Others were exposed to asbestos in
a household environment, often without knowing it.
How much exposure does
it take to get the disease? What is the latency period?
Very little exposure can result in mesothelioma. Sometimes people who worked with
asbestos for as little as one or two months get mesothelioma. The "latency period"
refers to the time between asbestos exposure and diagnosis of the disease. For mesothelioma,
the latency period can be decades long, and people exposed in the 1940s, 50s, 60s,
and 70s are now being diagnosed.
What are the symptoms
of mesothelioma?
Our
mesothelioma symptoms page goes into detail about the signs of this
cancer. Please note that it is important to seek professional medical advice when
trying to diagnose for mesothelioma. The major symptoms include:
·
Shortness of breath caused by
expanding pleural effusion
·
Persistent dry cough
Other symptoms may include:
·
Fatigue
·
Night sweats
·
Fever
·
Pain under the rib cage
·
Swelling or lumps in the abdomen
·
Unexpected weight loss
Is there any promising research or are there promising new drugs for mesothelioma?
Scientists and doctors are engaged in research at various cancer centers all over
the
United States
. Researchers are constantly trying
to develop new and more effective drugs as well as new treatment techniques. In
the past few years, there have been several major advances in the management of
mesothelioma, including more accurate staging, improvements in surgical techniques
and postoperative care, new chemotherapy regimens, and new radiotherapy techniques
such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Some of this research is being conducted
through
clinical trials, for which you may be eligible. Please call us if
you need additional information on current trials.
What should I do if
I think I've been exposed to asbestos but don't have mesothelioma?
You probably will not get this rare disease, but you should remain vigilant and
get regular check-ups. Let your doctor know about your
asbestos exposure.
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