Mesothelioma is a form of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos. As explained in this eMedTV article, most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura (the lining around the lungs) or peritoneum (the lining around the abdomen).
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that most often affects the pleura, the thin layer of tissue covering the lungs. As this eMedTV segment explains, malignant mesothelioma is often the result of exposure to asbestos.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs. This eMedTV article discusses malignant pleural mesothelioma, including information about its risk factors, symptoms, and diagnosis.
Asbestos is a group of minerals used in insulation and other materials (such as brake shoes). As this eMedTV article explains, frequent exposure to asbestos can cause health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
When the cancer begins in the membrane around the lungs, mesothelioma symptoms may include chest pain and shortness of breath. This eMedTV article also looks at peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms, such as abdominal pain and weight loss.
In addition to reviewing a patient's medical history, a doctor making a mesothelioma diagnosis will ask about exposure to asbestos. This eMedTV article explains how doctors reach a mesothelioma diagnosis by testing for other, more common, 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 treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these methods. This eMedTV resource discusses mesothelioma treatment and includes information about second opinions, nutrition, and follow-up care.
A mesothelioma prognosis is a medical opinion as to the outcome of the disease. 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 Web page looks at mesothelioma research currently under way, including studies investigating the effectiveness of new combinations of chemotherapy. This article also discusses mesothelioma research being conducted on biological therapy.
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