What is Mesothelioma?

The National Cancer Institute states that: "Malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) or the lining around the heart (the pericardium)."

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The main risk factor for mesothelioma cancer is asbestos exposure. Almost all cases of mesothelioma cancer can be linked to asbestos exposure. When people inhale asbestos fibers, they stick to the mucus in the air passages like the nose and throat. If they are not coughed up, the fibers can travel to the ends of the small airways and penetrate into the lung and chest wall. These fibers may then directly injure cells of the chest wall, and eventually cause mesothelioma cancer. This is called pleural mesothelioma.
People may also cough up and swallow asbestos fibers, which can cause mesothelioma cancer in the abdomen. This is called peritoneal mesothelioma.
Researchers are still studying exactly how asbestoscauses cells to develop into mesothelioma cancer. Asbestos fibers may damage a person's DNA, causing cells to grow uncontrollably.The amount of asbestos a person has been exposed to and the length of time they were exposed affects the risk of developing mesothelioma. People most likely to develop mesothelioma cancer are:


* Those exposed to asbestos at a young age
* Those exposed to asbestos for a long period of time
* Those exposed to high levels of asbestos


Unfortunately, the risk of developing mesothelioma cancer does not decrease with time after exposure to asbestos.

Types of Mesothelioma
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There are three main mesothelioma types:

* Epithelioid

* Sarcomatoid

* Mixed/biphasic

The epithelioid mesothelioma type occurs in 50%-70%
of all cases—the highest rate of occurrence. Mixed/biphasic
mesothelioma types occur in 20%-30% of all cases—the second highest rate of occurrence. These types are a mix of epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Sarcomatoid occurs in 7%-20% of all cases—the lowest rate of occurrence, but it is believed to be the most aggressive mesothelioma type.

Each mesothelioma type can occur in a different area of the body. Most mesothelioma occurs in the chest cavity and is called pleural mesothelioma. Ten to twenty percent (10%-20%) of mesothelioma occurs in the abdomen and is called peritoneal mesothelioma.

While treatments are generally the same for all three mesothelioma types, they may vary depending on the location of the cancer.

Pleural Mesothelioma
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Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for 75% of all cases. The disease develops when people breathe in asbestos fibers. The fibers travel to the ends of small air passages in the lungs and damage the pleura. The pleura is the layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and helps to protect organs.



Asbestos fibers damage the pleura by causing inflammation and scarring. Usually with pleural mesothelioma, the tumor appears in only one lung, often the right one. Cells become abnormal and grow out of control. Over time, pleural mesothelioma can break through the pleura and spread into chest wall or into the abdomen.

As the cancer grows and spreads, fluid fills the chest and puts pressure on vital organs. Patients with pleural mesothelioma often report symptoms such as pain in the lower back or chest, shortness of breath, coughing, and other symptoms.

Treatment for pleural mesothelioma may include surgery to relieve pain and discomfort, or in an attempt to cure the disease. Doctors may also try radiation and chemotherapydirectly to the chest cavity.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma
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Peritoneal mesothelioma, a form of cancer, accounts for only 10% - 20% of all cases with tumors typically growing in the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma develops when people cough up and then swallow asbestos fibers thereby causing damage to the peritoneum. The peritoneum is the layer of tissue that lines the abdomen to protect organs.

Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos fibers damage the peritoneum by causing inflammation and scarring. Cells become abnormal and grow out of control. Over time, peritoneal mesothelioma may break through the abdominal wall and invade organs like the lungs, heart, stomach, and liver. Peritoneal mesothelioma can even attach itself to blood vessels, the esophagus, or intestines, making it hard or even impossible to remove the cancer surgically.

As the cancer grows and spreads, fluid fills the abdomen and puts pressure on vital organs. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often report symptoms such as abdominal pain weight loss, and digestive disturbances.

Treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma may include inserting a needle into the abdomen to drain fluid. Surgery may help relieve symptoms or remove the tumor from the abdominal wall. Doctors may also apply chemotherapy treatments or radiation treatments directly into the abdomen.


How are People Exposed to Asbestos?
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People who work with asbestos containing materials on a regular basis account for the highest levels of asbestos exposure. Certain jobs and work environments, like mining, factory work, ship building, and construction work, are more likely to result in asbestos exposure than others. Studies have even shown that even the family members of asbestos workers have suffered asbestos exposure from fibers brought home on the workers' clothing.


Asbestos exposure can also occur in the home from building materials wearing down and releasing fibers into the air. It can occur among people who live near an asbestos mine. Drinking water may even contain asbestos fibers. This happens when:


* Fibers erode from natural deposits or piles of waste asbesto and enter the water

* Fibers enter water from asbestos-containing cement pipes used to carry drinking water

* Water is filtered through asbestos-containing filters.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires water suppliers to test water samples regularly. Suppliers must notify the public via newspapers, radio, TV, and other means if levels are higher than allowed.

The biggest risk factor for developing the deadly cancer mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. The risk is directly related to how much exposure a person had and the length of time the person was exposed to asbestos.

The American Cancer Society advises that the best way to protect yourself and your family from mesothelioma and other asbestos-related health problems is to limit asbestos exposure at home and at work. Educating yourself about the kinds of products and environments commonly associated with asbestos may help you determine your risk.

Asbestos Uses
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Asbestos fibers can be found in thousands of products. These fibers have been used for many years for their thermal
insulation, chemical and thermal stability, and strength. Thechart below lists some of the many products that contain asbestos fibers.