Mesothelioma - an Asbestos Related Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer located in the lining of either the lungs, abdomen or the heart. These linings are thin layers of tissue covering the organ.

The pleura is the tissue covering the lungs and the wall of the chest cavity which cushions and protects the lungs. The peritoneum lines the abdominal wall and surrounds most of the organs in the abdomen. The pericardium is the tissue surrounding the heart.

Mesothelioma is a rare but very serious cancer. There are three types of mesothelioma based on the types of cancerous cells. The most common type is epithelioid and consists of 50-70% of total cases and has the best prognosis. The second type is called sarcomatoid, consists of 10-20 % of mesothelioma cases and is more unpredictable in nature. The third type of mesothelioma is called biphasic, it is a combination of the other two types and consists of 20-35% of all cases.

There are an estimated 2000-3000 new cases of mesothelioma in the United States every year. The majority of these cases begin in the chest wall (pleural mesothelioma), a few start in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and very rare are the cases starting in the lining surrounding the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).

The pleura is a thin lining of mesothelial cells. There are two pleuras in the chest, the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura. The parietal pleura lines the chest wall including the inside of the ribs, diaphragm and pericardium. The visceral pleura covers the lungs and filters fluid to and from the chest. If the pleura becomes diseases it is not effective at eliminating fluid from the chest resulting in pleural effusion or too much fluid in the chest.

Mesothelioma is usually the result of exposure to asbestos. Most people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have had jobs where they breathed asbestos fibers. It may take up to 60 years from the time of asbestos exposure until mesothelioma develops.

Although rare, mesothelioma is a serious form of cancer which is often in its advanced stage when a diagnosis is made. In general, prognosis for mesothelioma patient is poor, however, some patients live with the disease for a long time. As mentioned earlier, the type of mesothelioma has an impact on the prognosis, as well as, the age of the patient, how much tumor has developed and if treatment is rendered. There are many variables in evaluating a mesothelioma case, so only the patients doctor can determine the best treatment and possible prognosis on an individual basis.

Jill Kane provides useful information and resources regarding mesothelioma and asbestos at http://www.mesothelioma-101.org

---

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma

Many people have never heard of Mesothelioma and are unaware... Read More

Protect Against Mesothelioma by Avoiding Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that attacks the body's mesothelial... Read More

Mesothelioma Research

Research offers hope of cure for mesothelioma. A laboratory mouse... Read More

Asbestos Litigation ? Some Basic Facts About The Process

When Should I Consult an Asbestos Attorney?If asbestos diseases have... Read More

Lung Cancer: The Bad and the Worse

In terms of deaths caused by various forms of cancer,... Read More

Asbestos Killed My Husband

He was only a child when it begun -and he... Read More

How to Treat Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure

There are many forms of treatment for Mesothelioma. Their effectiveness... Read More

Screening for Mesothelioma

Doctor appointments are critical to make sure you're staying in... Read More

Mesothelioma Cancer - What to Tell Children

The amount of information you should give them depends on... Read More

Acoustic Asbestos Ceiling Removal, Is It Necessary?

Homeowners with acoustic asbestos ceiling question about the effects of... Read More

Does It Pay to Get a Mesothelioma Attorney?

Mesothelioma is a serious form of rare cancer. There is... Read More

How Is Mesothelioma Treated?

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where... Read More

What You Need To Know About Lung Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which certain body cells don't... Read More

Your Mesothelioma Case

Your Mesothelioma case is important to you. You have been... Read More

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare disease. The tissue lining the... Read More

The Facts About Lung Cancer - Better To Be Aware

Keep yourself abreast of facts about lung cancer, as the... Read More

Lung Cancer 101 What You Need to Know About

Accounting about for 14% of all cancers and 28% of... Read More

L&S Announce Steps to Protect Against Asbestos & Mesothelioma

Lewis and Sholnick have announced the publication of some simple... Read More

Asbestos - The Silent Killer

Asbestos is the single biggest work place killer today. People... Read More

Wittenoom Graveyard

Despite the known fact that Wittenoom is responsible for many... Read More

Who is at Increased Risk For Developing Mesothelioma?

Since the late 1800's Asbestos has been mined and used... Read More

Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the linings of the heart,... Read More

Mesothelioma Book - Review

"Lean on Me" Cancer through a carer's eyes Lorraine Kember... Read More

Coping With Cancer-A Family View

An often forgotten feature of dealing with cancer is what... Read More

Mesothelioma - Cancer that Strikes 40 Years Later

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant... Read More

Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosed: Dealing With Emotions

People deal with and react to having cancer in different... Read More

What Are The Risk Factors For Mesothelioma?

Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma... Read More

Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which occurs in thin... Read More

Mesothelioma Information Help

Depending on the stage of the disease, the most common... Read More

Mesothelioma

Tragically the word mesothelioma is becoming more and more well... Read More

Mesothelioma Help

According to the National Cancer Institute, mesothelioma is a malignant... Read More

Asbestos - Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral found in the... Read More

How to Sense Low Levels of Asbestos in Your Daily Environment

My discovery came to me by accidentally removing an asbestos... Read More