Everywhere you look on the internet, you see, pages about mesothelioma. What exactly is mesothelioma and why is it plastered all over the internet?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells of an organ. The mesothelial cells form a lining for the chest, abdominal and heart cavity and also cover the surface of many organs.

How Did Mesothelioma enter our awareness?

Why is this cancer even in our vocabulary? We first became aware of mesothelioma when we first became aware that asbestos can cause cancer. Almost all cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure. The unfortunate thing about mesothelioma is that it can be caused by limited exposure to asbestos. Professions with the highest risk of mesothelioma are professions with the highest risk of asbestos. They include, auto mechanics, construction, sailors and boilermakers.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Pleural Mesothelioma: Patients may present with symptoms resembling pneumonia: shortness of breath, pain in the chest area.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma: abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, bowel problems.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Symptoms are usually non-specific. However, patients with pleural mesothelioma usually have built up of fluid in the chest cavity (pleural effusion). There may be effusion in the pericardial cavity (sac that surrounds the heart) or in the abdomen in the case of peritoneal mesothelioma.

X-rays and CAT scans will show the location of the cancer.

Blood tests: In patients with Mesothelioma, blood levels of a protein called osteopontin are elevated.

Tissue samples: When there is effusion, a needle can be inserted into the chest, abdominal or heart cavities and fluid can be withdrawn and tested.

Mesothelioma Course

When someone inhales asbestos fibers, they travel to the alveoli (small air passages), where they eventually end up in the pleura (lining of the lungs). In time, the cells may begin to grow at an alarming rate and this is when you have mesothelioma. Once mesothelioma attacks it is aggressive and takes no prisoners. However, it has a long latency period.After exposure, the cancer may not show up until 35-40 years later. How common is it? 3000 cases are reported annually.

Mesothelioma Prognosis

By the time a patient goes to the doctor with symptoms, prognosis is usually poor. Patients are normally told they have 1 year to live. There are not enough studies on prognosis, but generally, for those diagnosed with mesothelioma, 1 in 10 will be alive 3 years later. 1 in 20 will be alive 5 years later. For those who are diagnosed earlier, survival rates are better.

Mesothelioma Treatment

Pleural Mesothelioma: Chemotherapy, Radition Therapy, Surgery. Unfortunately most of the treatment is focused on delaying the course of the cancer.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Surgery, Chemotherapy, Supportive care. Often patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma are too sick for chemotherapy. They may be given care to deal with the pain.

Mesothelioma and Litigation

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important that you obtain counsel. Many employers in the past knew of the dangers of asbestos, yet did not warn their employees. There may be reason for litigation.

Mesothelioma Litigation