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.

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.

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Weight loss

• Chest x-ray showing tumor and possibly showing pleural effusion (which may be bloody)
• Thoracic CT
• Cytology from pleural fluid
• Open lung biopsy

When found early, surgery may cure mesothelioma. Having chemotherapy and radiation before the surgery may help increase your chance for a cure.

When the disease is too advanced for surgery, chemotherapy or radiation may be used to reduce symptoms, but a cure is usually not possible.

Combining certain chemotherapy drugs may help decrease symptoms and improve survival.

Consider participating in a clinical trial (test of new treatments), which may give you additional treatment options.

Supportive treatment (such as pain relief and oxygen) may also help to relieve symptoms.

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.

See:

• Cancer - support group
• Lung disease - support group

The average survival time varies from 4 to 18 months. However, your outlook depends on the stage of the tumor and whether surgery is an option.

Rapid spread of the tumor to other organs is a complication.

It can be hard to distinguish between this type of tumor and other conditions and tumors of the pleura, even when experienced pathologists are viewing biopsy samples.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of malignant mesothelioma.

Avoid exposure to asbestos.

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.