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Mesothelioma (malignant)

Definition:

Malignant mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor of the pleura (lining of the lung and chest cavity) or peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) that is almost always caused by sustained exposure to asbestos.

Alternative Names:

Malignant mesothelioma

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Malignant mesothelioma affects men more often than women. Sustained exposure to asbestos is the biggest risk factor. Symptoms may not appear until 20 to 50 years or even longer after exposure to asbestos.

The average age of diagnosis is 60. The tumor can spread rapidly to involve other nearby areas.

References:

Mason RJ, Murray J, VC Broaddus, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:1994-2002.

Grainger RC, Allison D, Adam, Dixon AK. Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging . 4th ed. Orlando, Fl: Churchill Livingstone; 2001:339-341; 514-515.

Respiratory system

Review Date: 8/3/2007
Reviewed By: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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