What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, most commonly associated with inhalation of asbestos. It affects the mesothelium, a membrane that surrounds the lungs and other internal organs.
Mesothelioma (pronounced mee-so-thee-lee-oma) is a cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin membrane that lines the chest and abdomen and surrounds the organs in these areas. The lining around the lungs is called the pleura and in the abdomen it is known as the peritoneum.
Mesotheliomas are uncommon cancers, although they are becoming more frequent. Currently, about 1,700 people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.
Mesothelioma of the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) is much more common than mesothelioma in the peritoneum, and for every person with peritoneal mesothelioma there will be about 12 people who have pleural mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma
The pleura has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the lung and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the chest wall. The two layers of the pleura are usually in contact and slide over each other as we breathe. The membranes produce fluid, which allows them to slide over each other easily.
When a mesothelioma develops in the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), the delicate membranes thicken and may press inwards on the lung. Fluid may also collect between the two layers of the pleura and this is known as a pleural effusion.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
The lining of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. It also has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the abdominal wall.
If the mesothelioma is in the peritoneum it is called a peritoneal mesothelioma and causes thickening of the membranes surrounding the abdominal organs and a collection of fluid in the abdomen. The collection of fluid is called ascites and causes swelling of the abdomen.
Mesothelioma (pronounced mee-so-thee-lee-oma) is a cancer of the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin membrane that lines the chest and abdomen and surrounds the organs in these areas. The lining around the lungs is called the pleura and in the abdomen it is known as the peritoneum.
Mesotheliomas are uncommon cancers, although they are becoming more frequent. Currently, about 1,700 people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.
Mesothelioma of the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) is much more common than mesothelioma in the peritoneum, and for every person with peritoneal mesothelioma there will be about 12 people who have pleural mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma
The pleura has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the lung and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the chest wall. The two layers of the pleura are usually in contact and slide over each other as we breathe. The membranes produce fluid, which allows them to slide over each other easily.
When a mesothelioma develops in the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), the delicate membranes thicken and may press inwards on the lung. Fluid may also collect between the two layers of the pleura and this is known as a pleural effusion.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
The lining of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. It also has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the abdominal wall.
If the mesothelioma is in the peritoneum it is called a peritoneal mesothelioma and causes thickening of the membranes surrounding the abdominal organs and a collection of fluid in the abdomen. The collection of fluid is called ascites and causes swelling of the abdomen.
Symptoms & Diagnosis of Mesothelioma?
Symptoms of this cancer can resemble viral pneumonia and may produce shortness of breath, chest pain and persistent coughing. Other patients may show no symptoms at all. Diagnosis will involve x-rays and pathological examination.
Mesothelioma often starts as many tiny lumps (nodules) in the pleura, which may not show up on scans or x-rays until they are quite large. The main symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are pain in the chest and breathlessness. Some people also notice that their voice becomes hoarse and they have a cough that does not go away.
Peritoneal mesothelioma often causes swelling and pain in the abdomen.
Both types of mesothelioma can cause other general symptoms, such as loss of appetite, weight loss and tiredness. As many of these symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses, your doctor will need to do a series of tests before a diagnosis can be made.
Treatment of Mesothelioma?
The treatment for mesothelioma will depend on whether it is only in one place or has spread. Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma, unless it can be removed by an operation.
Unfortunately, when mesothelioma is diagnosed, it has usually already spread beyond the point where it could be removed by an operation. The standard treatment for mesothelioma in this situation is called active symptom control.
Radiotherapy may be used to reduce symptoms, if necessary. Chemotherapy may also sometimes be used to shrink the mesothelioma and control symptoms.
There are a number of ways to help relieve symptoms caused by the mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma commonly causes breathlessness or difficulty with breathing.
CancerBACUP has information on on ways of reducing and dealing with breathlessness
Breathlessness can sometimes be caused by a build-up of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion). Your doctor may be able to drain this fluid under a local anaesthetic and you will find that your breathing becomes easier. It may be necessary to have the fluid removed on a regular basis. Talc, or a particular chemical powder, may be put into the pleural space through a tube. This procedure is called pleurodesis and causes inflammation of the pleural membranes, which then stick together to prevent the fluid from building up again.
Fluid in the abdomen (ascites) can also be removed using a needle inserted under local anaesthetic.
CancerBACUP has sections on managing pleural effusion and ascites which give more information about these procedures
You may be given medicines to help your breathing and also to control pain. If at any time you feel that your medicines are not working, let your doctor know as soon as possible so that the dose can be altered or the medicines changed.
If you have any symptoms that are not easily controlled, you can be quickly referred to a relevant specialist such as a pain relief service, physiotherapist or symptom control team. The aim of this type of treatment is to keep you as free as possible of symptoms and to give you the best possible quality of life.
Other helpful remedies include relaxation techniques and physiotherapy, and your GP or a local cancer self-help group can give you more details about these.
You may also find it helpful to look at the CancerBACUP sections on controlling cancer pain, controlling the symptoms of cancer and cancer and complementary therapies.
In the uncommon situation where the cancer is only in one area of the pleura (localised), surgery can be used to treat mesothelioma. It may involve removing part, or all, of the pleura and the lung tissue close to it, which is known as pleurectomy/decortication.
Sometimes the pleura, diaphragm and the whole lung on the affected side are removed as well as the tumour. This operation is known as extra-pleural pneumonectomy.
Currently it is not clear whether surgery can give better control of symptoms or can help people to live for longer than just using active symptom control. A research trial is being carried out to see whether extra-pleural pneumonectomy can give a better quality and length of life for people with localised pleural mesothelioma. The research trial is called the MARS trial and you may be invited to take part if your doctor thinks that surgery could possibly be helpful for you.
It is not usually possible to surgically remove abdominal (peritoneal) mesothelioma. Even though surgery is only carried out by surgeons with specialist expertise in treating mesothelioma the operation is not likely to cure the mesothelioma.
It is important that you discuss any operation fully with your doctor beforehand so that you understand what it involves.Remember, no operation or procedure will be done without your consent.
Surgery may sometimes be combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
After your operationIt can take many weeks to recover fully from a lung operation, although some people recover more quickly than others. There are things you can do to help speed up your recovery. After your operation you will be encouraged to start moving about as soon as possible. Even if you have to stay in bed it is important to keep up regular leg movements. A physiotherapist will visit you on the ward to help you with breathing exercises.
A drip (intravenous infusion) will be used to maintain your body fluids for a couple of days, until you are able to eat and drink normally again.
Drainage tubes will also be in place from your wound. These are usually removed about two to seven days after your operation depending on your recovery. X-rays will be taken regularly to make sure your lung is working properly.
It is quite normal to have some pain or discomfort after your operation. This can usually be controlled by painkilling drugs. Let your doctor or one of the nurses know if you have any pain so they can treat it as soon as possible. Mild discomfort or pain in your chest can last for several weeks and you will be given some painkilling tablets to take home with you.
You will probably be ready to go home about five to ten days after your operation. If you think you might have problems when you go home - for example, if you live alone or have several flights of stairs to climb - let one of the nurses or the hospital social worker know when you are admitted to the ward, so that help can be arranged.
When you go home, it is important to exercise gently, to build up your strength and fitness. It is a good idea to check with your doctor or physiotherapist which kind of exercise would be suitable for you. Walking and swimming are suitable for most people after surgery to the lung area.
Talk to your doctor or physiotherapist if you would like more information.
What does asbestos have to do with mesothelioma ?
The only known cause of mesothelioma in the U.S. is previous exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos manufacturers knew about the hazards of asbestos seventy years ago - but they kept this knowledge to themselves. The first warnings to workers exposed to asbestos were given in the mid-1960s, and they were terribly inadequate. Even today, workers are not always told they are working around asbestos and are at risk for asbestos disease.
Mesothelioma often starts as many tiny lumps (nodules) in the pleura, which may not show up on scans or x-rays until they are quite large. The main symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are pain in the chest and breathlessness. Some people also notice that their voice becomes hoarse and they have a cough that does not go away.
Peritoneal mesothelioma often causes swelling and pain in the abdomen.
Both types of mesothelioma can cause other general symptoms, such as loss of appetite, weight loss and tiredness. As many of these symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses, your doctor will need to do a series of tests before a diagnosis can be made.
Treatment of Mesothelioma?
The treatment for mesothelioma will depend on whether it is only in one place or has spread. Currently, there is no cure for mesothelioma, unless it can be removed by an operation.
Unfortunately, when mesothelioma is diagnosed, it has usually already spread beyond the point where it could be removed by an operation. The standard treatment for mesothelioma in this situation is called active symptom control.
Radiotherapy may be used to reduce symptoms, if necessary. Chemotherapy may also sometimes be used to shrink the mesothelioma and control symptoms.
There are a number of ways to help relieve symptoms caused by the mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma commonly causes breathlessness or difficulty with breathing.
CancerBACUP has information on on ways of reducing and dealing with breathlessness
Breathlessness can sometimes be caused by a build-up of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion). Your doctor may be able to drain this fluid under a local anaesthetic and you will find that your breathing becomes easier. It may be necessary to have the fluid removed on a regular basis. Talc, or a particular chemical powder, may be put into the pleural space through a tube. This procedure is called pleurodesis and causes inflammation of the pleural membranes, which then stick together to prevent the fluid from building up again.
Fluid in the abdomen (ascites) can also be removed using a needle inserted under local anaesthetic.
CancerBACUP has sections on managing pleural effusion and ascites which give more information about these procedures
You may be given medicines to help your breathing and also to control pain. If at any time you feel that your medicines are not working, let your doctor know as soon as possible so that the dose can be altered or the medicines changed.
If you have any symptoms that are not easily controlled, you can be quickly referred to a relevant specialist such as a pain relief service, physiotherapist or symptom control team. The aim of this type of treatment is to keep you as free as possible of symptoms and to give you the best possible quality of life.
Other helpful remedies include relaxation techniques and physiotherapy, and your GP or a local cancer self-help group can give you more details about these.
You may also find it helpful to look at the CancerBACUP sections on controlling cancer pain, controlling the symptoms of cancer and cancer and complementary therapies.
In the uncommon situation where the cancer is only in one area of the pleura (localised), surgery can be used to treat mesothelioma. It may involve removing part, or all, of the pleura and the lung tissue close to it, which is known as pleurectomy/decortication.
Sometimes the pleura, diaphragm and the whole lung on the affected side are removed as well as the tumour. This operation is known as extra-pleural pneumonectomy.
Currently it is not clear whether surgery can give better control of symptoms or can help people to live for longer than just using active symptom control. A research trial is being carried out to see whether extra-pleural pneumonectomy can give a better quality and length of life for people with localised pleural mesothelioma. The research trial is called the MARS trial and you may be invited to take part if your doctor thinks that surgery could possibly be helpful for you.
It is not usually possible to surgically remove abdominal (peritoneal) mesothelioma. Even though surgery is only carried out by surgeons with specialist expertise in treating mesothelioma the operation is not likely to cure the mesothelioma.
It is important that you discuss any operation fully with your doctor beforehand so that you understand what it involves.Remember, no operation or procedure will be done without your consent.
Surgery may sometimes be combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
After your operationIt can take many weeks to recover fully from a lung operation, although some people recover more quickly than others. There are things you can do to help speed up your recovery. After your operation you will be encouraged to start moving about as soon as possible. Even if you have to stay in bed it is important to keep up regular leg movements. A physiotherapist will visit you on the ward to help you with breathing exercises.
A drip (intravenous infusion) will be used to maintain your body fluids for a couple of days, until you are able to eat and drink normally again.
Drainage tubes will also be in place from your wound. These are usually removed about two to seven days after your operation depending on your recovery. X-rays will be taken regularly to make sure your lung is working properly.
It is quite normal to have some pain or discomfort after your operation. This can usually be controlled by painkilling drugs. Let your doctor or one of the nurses know if you have any pain so they can treat it as soon as possible. Mild discomfort or pain in your chest can last for several weeks and you will be given some painkilling tablets to take home with you.
You will probably be ready to go home about five to ten days after your operation. If you think you might have problems when you go home - for example, if you live alone or have several flights of stairs to climb - let one of the nurses or the hospital social worker know when you are admitted to the ward, so that help can be arranged.
When you go home, it is important to exercise gently, to build up your strength and fitness. It is a good idea to check with your doctor or physiotherapist which kind of exercise would be suitable for you. Walking and swimming are suitable for most people after surgery to the lung area.
Talk to your doctor or physiotherapist if you would like more information.
What does asbestos have to do with mesothelioma ?
The only known cause of mesothelioma in the U.S. is previous exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos manufacturers knew about the hazards of asbestos seventy years ago - but they kept this knowledge to themselves. The first warnings to workers exposed to asbestos were given in the mid-1960s, and they were terribly inadequate. Even today, workers are not always told they are working around asbestos and are at risk for asbestos disease.
Copyright 2004-2006 Plastic Surgery - Pleural Mesothelioma
All Rights Reserved.
All Rights Reserved.
Medical & Legal Mesothelioma Information
This web site is an information resource on the cancer malignant mesothelioma: what it is, symptoms and diagnosis, different types of mesothelioma, treatment, doctors and clinics, lawyers, attorneys, lawsuits, litigation and compensation advice.
Side view of the abdomen showing the peritoneum
Structure of the lungs and pleura
| OVERVIEW | Eye Lasik | Breast Implants | Liposuction | Hairtransplant | Acne |
| Botox | Fungal Nails | Facelift | Rhinoplasty |
| Cancer | Mesothelioma | Weight Loss |
| Botox | Fungal Nails | Facelift | Rhinoplasty |
| Cancer | Mesothelioma | Weight Loss |