Malignant Mesothelioma

The next few lines contains information about mesothelioma, more specifically about malignant mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells. These cells are tissue that enclose or line the lungs, heart, and stomach. The mesothelial cells defend these organs by producing a lubricating fluid that allows these organs to move smoothly.

There are 2 types of tumors of the mesothelium, "benign" and "malignant". A benign tumor is non-cancerous, which means it does not cause any harm. A malignant tumor of the mesothelial cells is called a malignant mesothelioma. Because tumors of the mesothelium are typically cancerous, malignant mesothelioma is frequently just called "mesothelioma".

Malignant mesotheliomas come up from the cells that line the exterior of the pleura or the peritoneum. Eighty percent of these tumors are pleural in origin. Malignant mesotheliomas are uncommon, with an incidence of one to three cases per 1 million persons per year in the general population.

The connection between asbestos exposure and malignant mesothelioma was established in 1960. The latency period between exposure and tumor development has generally been 30 years or more.

There is no effective treatment for malignant mesothelioma. Surgical resection is not achievable. The tumor encases the lung in a bulky, lobulated mass that invades the fissures and, ultimately, the diaphragm and the chest wall. Average survival is less than two years. Except in rare cases, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have not been helpful.