MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia; Mesothelioma (malignant mesothelioma)

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Alternative Names Return to top

Malignant mesothelioma
Definition Return to top

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.

Causes Return to top

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 Return to top

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
Exams and Tests Return to top

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 Return to top

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. Chemotherapy or radiation may be used to reduce symptoms. Combining certain chemotherapy drugs may help decrease symptoms and improve survival, but it will not cure the cancer.

Consider participating in a clinical trial (test of new treatments), which may give you more treatment options.

Pain relief, oxygen, and other supportive treatments may also help relieve symptoms.

Support Groups Return to top

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.

See:

Cancer - support group
Lung disease - support group
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top

The average survival time varies from 4 - 18 months. However, your outlook depends on:

The stage of the tumor
Your age and general health
Whether surgery is an option
Possible Complications Return to top

The tumor can quickly spread to other organs.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of malignant mesothelioma.

Prevention Return to top

Avoid exposure to asbestos.

References Return to top

West SSD, Lee YCG. Management of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Clinics in Chest Medicine. 2006;27:335-354.

Camacho LH, Mora-Bowen A, Munden R, Smythe WR, Ordoñez NG. Malignant mesothelioma: natural history, pathologic features and future therapies. Am J Med. 2007;120:e7-9.

Mason RJ, Murray J, VC Broaddus, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:1994-2002.

Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK. Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 4th ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2001:339-341; 514-515.


Update Date: 9/4/2008