Overview malignant mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which cells form malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the chest or abdomen.

Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant cells are found (cancer) in 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 summary is about malignant mesothelioma of the pleura.

Exposure to asbestos can affect the risk of malignant mesothelioma.

Anything that increases the risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer, not having risk factors does not mean that you will not get cancer. Talk to your doctor if you think you may be at risk.

Many people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. After exposure to asbestos, it usually takes a long time until it forms a malignant mesothelioma. Other risk factors for malignant mesothelioma include:

Living with a person who works near asbestos.
Being exposed to a certain virus.
Possible signs of malignant mesothelioma include shortness of breath and pain under the rib cage.

Sometimes the cancer causes fluid to collect around the lung or abdomen. These symptoms may be caused by the fluid or malignant mesothelioma. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. Consult your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

Shortness of breath.
Pain under the rib cage.
Abdominal pain or swelling thereof.
Lumps in the abdomen.
Weight loss for no known reason.
To detect (find) and diagnose malignant mesothelioma, tests are used to examine the inside of the chest and abdomen.

In some cases it is difficult to differentiate between malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer. You can use the following tests and procedures:

Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. It also takes the history of health habits, exposure to asbestos, the diseases and the patient's previous treatments.
Ray: An x-ray of the organs and bones inside the chest. An x-ray is a type of energy beam that can go through the body and onto film, making a picture of areas inside the body.