Malignant mesothelioma is a rare disease that occurs when cancerous cells develop in the mesothelium, a thin membrane covering different organs in the body. In most cases, mesothelioma affects the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs). The biggest risk factor for mesothelioma involves exposure to asbestos. Because malignant mesothelioma is very difficult to control, clinical trials are being conducted that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments.
Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the mesothelium, which is a thin layer of tissue that covers most organs in the body. Mesothelioma most commonly affects the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs) or the peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen). This article discusses malignant mesothelioma of the pleura.
Risk Factors for Malignant Mesothelioma
Being exposed to asbestos can affect the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. Many people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. After being exposed to asbestos, it usually takes a long time for malignant mesothelioma to occur.
Other risk factors for malignant mesothelioma include the following:
Living with a person who works near asbestos.
Being exposed to a certain virus.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Malignant Mesothelioma
For information on malignant mesothelioma symptoms, see the full eMedTV article called Mesothelioma Symptoms.
In order to make a malignant mesothelioma diagnosis, a doctor will perform a medical history and physical exam, followed by specific tests and procedures to confirm the diagnosis. Some of these tests may include CT scans, biopsy, and surgery. A malignant mesothelioma diagnosis is often difficult to make because the symptoms associated with the disease are similar to those of many other medical conditions.
Malignant Mesothelioma Staging
After a malignant mesothelioma diagnosis has been made, tests are conducted to determine if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body.
The process used to find out if cancer has spread outside the pleura is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage of the cancer in order to plan the mesothelioma treatment.
Malignant mesothelioma stages are grouped into localized, advanced, and recurrent stages.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) for malignant mesothelioma depends on the following:
The stage of the malignant mesothelioma
The size of the tumor
Whether the tumor can be removed completely by surgery
The amount of fluid in the chest
The patient's age and general health, including lung and heart health
The type of mesothelioma cancer cells and how they look under a microscope
Whether the malignant mesothelioma has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
Research Studies on Malignant Mesothelioma
Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, clinical trials are being conducted that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current malignant mesothelioma treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with malignant mesothelioma.
People interested in taking part in a clinical trial should talk with their doctor.
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