Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin... Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma may include shortness of... More than 80% of mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to...
In This Article ; Types · Symptoms · Causes · Diagnosis · Treatment · Prevention · Related Conditions · Living With Mesothelioma · FAQs
Overview · Symptoms · Causes · Diagnosis · Treatment · Outlook · Contacting a doctor · Summary
Key Points ; Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the thin layer of tissue that covers organs in the chest or abdomen. ; Being exposed to asbestos can increase the risk of malignant mesothelioma. ; Signs and symptoms of malignant mesothelioma include shortness of breath and pain under the rib cage.
While many tumors have clear, defined edges, mesothelioma does not. Instead, it can surround organs and fill in the chest and abdominal cavity, compressing the lungs. Mesothelioma usually is caused by past exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that in the past was used in several industries. These include construction, automotive, military, marine and manufacturing. When tiny particles of asbestos are made or disturbed, they can float in the air. People then can breathe in or swall...
Contents ; Overview · Symptoms and Causes · Diagnosis and Tests · Management and Treatment · Prevention · Outlook / Prognosis · Living With · Additional Common Questions
The tissue in the abdomen, called the peritoneum. ; The tissue around the heart, called the pericardium. ; The tissue around the testicles, called the tunica vaginalis.
Primary Types of Mesothelioma The four primary types of mesothelioma: Pleural Mesothelioma: Affects the tissue lining the lungs. Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Affects the tissue lining the...
Pleural Mesothelioma – found in the chest cavity, on the surface of the lung and on the diaphragm, ; Peritoneal Mesothelioma – found in the abdomen on the surface of the omentum and visceral organs, ; Pericardial Mesothelioma – growing on the exterior surface of the pericardium, or lining of the heart
There are several types of mesothelioma based on location and cell type. The most common types are pleural mesothelioma (lung) and peritoneal (abdomen).