What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become
abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and
organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the
body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum. Mesothelioma that occurs in
the tissue that surrounds the lung (pleura) is called pleural mesothelioma and is the most common
form.
# What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
* Shortness of breath
* Painful breathing
* Chest pain under the rib cage
* Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest
* Unexplained weight loss
* Dry (nonproductive) cough
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.
Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often
symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and
abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal
mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the
cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain,
trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.
Mesothelioma is closely linked to exposure to asbestos — a natural fiber that was once used in
manufacturing a wide variety of industrial and household products. Mesothelioma rates have
increased during the past 20 years in response to the widespread use of asbestos in the past.
Many industrialized countries now limit asbestos use and enforce laws to protect workers who may
be exposed. Researchers predict these efforts will lead to fewer cases of mesothelioma in the
future.
See your doctor if you have signs and symptoms that may indicate mesothelioma. Signs and
symptoms of mesothelioma aren't specific to this disease and may be related to other conditions. If
any signs and symptoms seem unusual or bothersome to you, ask your doctor to check them out.
Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be combined. This aggressive therapy can be
grueling and may not be appropriate for everyone. Younger, healthier people and those with earlier
stage mesothelioma may be more able to endure this treatment. Combination therapy has shown
the most promise in treating mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become
abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and
organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the
body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum. Mesothelioma that occurs in
the tissue that surrounds the lung (pleura) is called pleural mesothelioma and is the most common
form.
# What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
* Shortness of breath
* Painful breathing
* Chest pain under the rib cage
* Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on your chest
* Unexplained weight loss
* Dry (nonproductive) cough
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.
Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often
symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and
abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal
mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the
cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain,
trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.
Mesothelioma is closely linked to exposure to asbestos — a natural fiber that was once used in
manufacturing a wide variety of industrial and household products. Mesothelioma rates have
increased during the past 20 years in response to the widespread use of asbestos in the past.
Many industrialized countries now limit asbestos use and enforce laws to protect workers who may
be exposed. Researchers predict these efforts will lead to fewer cases of mesothelioma in the
future.
See your doctor if you have signs and symptoms that may indicate mesothelioma. Signs and
symptoms of mesothelioma aren't specific to this disease and may be related to other conditions. If
any signs and symptoms seem unusual or bothersome to you, ask your doctor to check them out.
Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be combined. This aggressive therapy can be
grueling and may not be appropriate for everyone. Younger, healthier people and those with earlier
stage mesothelioma may be more able to endure this treatment. Combination therapy has shown
the most promise in treating mesothelioma.
Dealing With Mesothelioma
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