About mesothelioma

The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. Cancer of the mesothelium--mesothelioma--is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. These cancer cells can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also spread from their original site to other parts of the body.

Mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos

Mesothelioma is often associated with asbestos. Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. While smoking does not appear to increase risk of mesothelioma, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for developing lung cancer.

Development of mesothelioma

Physicians use specific terminology to describe the stages of cancers such as Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is described as "localized" if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as "advanced" if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

Development of mesothelioma

Because mesothelioma has such a long development time or "latency period"--30 to 50 years--people who were exposed in the 1940's, 50's, 60's and 70's are only now being diagnosed with mesothelioma. Exposure as little as one or two months may result in mesothelioma decades later.

Incidence of mesothelioma

How common is mesothelioma? Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age.

Risks of asbestos exposure

There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. Ever since the link bewteen asbestos and mesothelioma became known, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace in order to reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers.

Mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos

It's important to understand the distinction between lung cancer caused by smoking and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma affects the lungs but is not considered lung cancer. Since smokers are at risk for lung cancer it can lead to contracting other asbestos related diseases. Lung cancer is more common, appearing in the lung's inner tissues. Mesothelioma, by contrast, develops in the tissue covering the lung.

Treatment options

Studies have been conducted to find out if smoking has an effect on the risk of mesothelioma. These studies have shown that the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure is particularly hazardous. Smokers who are also exposed to asbestos have a greatly increased risk of lung cancer. However, smoking combined with asbestos exposure does not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma.