Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is typically caused by exposure to asbestos. This selection from the eMedTV library gives an overview of this disease, including risk factors, treatment options, and more.
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is often the result of exposure to asbestos. This eMedTV segment gives an overview of this condition, including possible symptoms, making a diagnosis, treatment options, and more.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs. This eMedTV article takes an in-depth look at this disease, including information about its risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and more.
Asbestos is a group of minerals used in insulation and other materials (such as brake shoes). As this eMedTV article explains, frequent exposure to it can cause health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Chest pain and shortness of breath can occur when mesothelioma begins in the membrane around the lungs. This eMedTV page also looks at peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms and signs, such as stomach pain and weight loss, and the link to asbestos exposure.
Making a diagnosis of mesothelioma may involve tests such as a CT scan or a biopsy. This eMedTV article describes the process of diagnosing this illness, and explains how it is often confused with other conditions.
Mesothelioma stages refer to how far the cancer has spread. As this eMedTV article explains, mesothelioma stages II, III, and IV are advanced; they describe cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Stage I refers to localized mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is often treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these. This eMedTV resource discusses mesothelioma treatment in detail and includes information about second opinions, nutrition, and follow-up care.
A medical opinion as to the outcome of a disease is what's known as a prognosis. As this eMedTV article explains, doctors base a mesothelioma prognosis on factors such as the size of the tumor and the amount of fluid in the chest or abdomen.
This eMedTV page looks at current areas of mesothelioma research, including studies investigating the effectiveness of new combinations of chemotherapy. This article also discusses research being conducted on biological therapy to treat mesothelioma.
