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Mesothelioma (malignant) - Overview

Alternative Names

Malignant mesothelioma

Definition of Mesothelioma (malignant):

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.

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.

Respiratory system

Reviewed last on: 8/3/2007
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.

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.