Mesothelioma Health Channel

	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Respiratory system Mesothelioma (malignant) Definition Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon cancerous tumor of the lining of the lung and chest cavity (pleura) or lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) that is typically due to long-term asbestos exposure. Alternative Names Malignant mesothelioma Causes, incidence, and risk factors Long-term exposure to asbestos -- a fire-resistant material -- is the biggest risk factor. Asbestos was once commonly found in insulation, ceiling and roofing vinyls, cement, and automotive brake materials. Although many asbestos workers smoked, experts do not believe smoking is a cause. Malignant mesothelioma affects men more often than women. The average age at diagnosis is 60. Cases of mesothelioma seem to be increasing worldwide. Symptoms Symptoms may not appear until 20 - 50 years or longer after exposure to asbestos, and may include: Abdominal bloating Abdominal pain Chest pain Cough Fatigue Shortness of breath Weight loss Signs and tests Chest x-ray Cytology of pleural fluid Open lung biopsy Pleural biopsy Thoracic CT Mesotheliomas are often hard to diagnose under the microscope. It can be hard to distinguish between this type of tumor and other conditions and tumors of the pleura. More than one specialist may be involved in examining the biopsy. It may take some time for the diagnosis to be made. Treatment There is no cure. Untreated, the average malignant mesothelioma patient survives 9 months. It is a difficult cancer to treat. Often the disease is too advanced for surgery. Continue reading this article

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