Mesothelioma (mez-oh-thee-lee-OH-muh) is specific type of cancer which invades the mesothelium. As with all cancers, it consists of cells that begin to grow in an uncontrolled manner. As these cells grow and multiply, they damage the healthy tissue around them. Cancer can metastasize, or spread from their place of origin, affecting other parts of the body. Mesothelioma starts in what is known as the pleura, or peritoneum.

While cancer diagnoses have increased dramatically over the past quarter century (over 25% of the U.S. population will suffer from some type of cancer in their lifetime), mesothelioma is still relatively rare. Around 2,000 new cases are reported in the U.S. every year; most of these patients are older men. However, women are also known to suffer from the disease, and it can strike at any age.

Those who have been exposed to asbestos are most likely to develop mesothelioma. 70 to 80% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed are in patients who had worked with the substance at some point in their lives. There have been cases in which the patient had had no known asbestos exposure, however. Tobacco usage by itself does not increase the likelihood of contracting mesothelioma, but smokers who are exposed to asbestos run a far greater risk of lung cancer.

Those who have worked in building, construction and demolition, or in the manufacture of products that involve heating or are designed for heat exposure have an elevated risk for developing this disease. The longer and more concentrated the exposure, the greater the risk of contracting the disease. However, there have been cases of mesothelioma in patients who had little or no exposure. Conversely, not everyone who is exposed to the substance develops the disease. The U.S.

Diagnosing mesothelioma can be challenging. Generally, a physician will perform a full physical exam during which s/he may take x-rays of the chest and abdomen and test for respiratory (lung) function. X-rays may be supplemented with advanced imaging techniques such as a CAT scan or an MRI. If your physician has concerns, s/he will refer you to an oncologist, or cancer specialist.

Currently, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is sponsoring clinical trials that are attempting to find alternative treatments as well as improve present ones. If you are interested in participating, discuss this with your doctor, then call 1-800-4CANCER. You can also find more information on the World Wide Web by going to http://www.cancer.gov. Here, you will find news on clinical trials and a catalogue of useful publications.

Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. Others have been exposed to asbestos in a household environment, sometimes without knowing it. Common occupations for victims of mesothelioma include workers in factories, shipyards, mines, the US military, engineers, pipe fitters, steel workers, and auto mechanics. A smaller percentage of victims lived with a person who worked near asbestos. There are three types of mesothelioma.

Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer. Because of this, a diagnosis of mesothelioma is made after careful assessment of clinical and radiological findings in addition to a confirming tissue biopsy. A review of the patient's medical history, including history of asbestos exposure is taken, followed by a complete physical examination, x-rays of the chest or abdomen, blood tests and lung function tests.

Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious type of asbestos-related disease because it is both incurable and fatal. Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer affecting the mesothelial tissue lining of three large body cavities: the pleura (lung cavity), the peritoneum (abdominal cavity) and the pericardium (heart sac). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma and is often confused with viral pneumonia because of certain symptomatic similarities between the two.