Malignant Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the thin lining covering internal organs, most commonly the pleura (lining of the lungs). It is strongly associated with asbestos exposure.
Understanding Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma most commonly affects the pleura (pleural mesothelioma) but can also occur in the peritoneum (abdominal lining), pericardium (heart lining), or tunica vaginalis (testicular lining). The latency period between asbestos exposure and diagnosis can be 20-50 years.
Common Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Pleural effusion (fluid around the lung)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain and swelling (peritoneal mesothelioma)
How It Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis involves imaging (CT, PET), thoracentesis or paracentesis for fluid analysis, and biopsy (often via thoracoscopy). Immunohistochemistry helps distinguish mesothelioma from other cancers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Malignant Mesothelioma
How long after asbestos exposure does mesothelioma develop?
The latency period is typically 20-50 years. This means that people exposed to asbestos decades ago may still be at risk of developing mesothelioma today.
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