Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer that envelopes many internal organs. The most common sites of mesothelioma are the pleura, which surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity, and the peritoneum, which covers most of the abdominal cavity.
Significance
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and although the incidence has risen over the past two decades, only about 2,000 cases are diagnosed in the United States each year, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Risk Factors
Exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor for developing mesothelioma, with 70 to 80 percent of cases being asbestos-related. Smoking does not appear to be a risk factor in itself, but when combined with asbestos exposure, it increases the risk of developing the disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for decades after asbestos exposure. Chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, abdominal pain, bowel obstruction and anemia can all be symptoms of mesothelioma, depending on if it is in the pleura or the peritoneum.
Diagnosis
Although various tests like a clinical exam, CT scan, MRI and PET scan are helpful, a definitive diagnosis can only be made by examining cells from a biopsy.
Treatment and Prognosis
Treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, depending on the location and the stage of the cancer. Although prognosis depends primarily on the stage, the average survival times for people diagnosed with mesothelioma are between four and 18 months. The overall five-year survival rate is approximately 10 percent.
Famous Ties
Hamilton Jordan, the head of the president Carter's Cabinet, died from mesothelioma, as did U.S. Congressman Bruce Vento and Olympian Terrance McCann.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Mesothelioma Questions
- The Washington Manual of Oncology (2nd Ed.); Ramaswamy Govindan; 2008
