- Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is deadly but rare. It forms in the mesothelium, which is the tissue that covers most of the body's organs. It can affect various parts of the body, including the tissue around the lungs, abdomen, heart and testicles. According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 2,000 people are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year.
- Exposure to asbestos is considered the main risk factor for developing mesothelioma. In fact, the National Cancer Institute estimates that more than 70 percent of mesothelioma cases can be linked to asbestos exposure. However, there are some people who develop the cancer without having any known exposure. Scientist are unsure of why the disease develops in such people.
- It may seem likely that mesothelioma would develop soon after asbestos exposure, but this is far from the truth. According to WebMD, 30 to 40 years may pass between the asbestos exposure and the onset of the disease. Additionally, some people are exposed to asbestos but never develop the cancer.
- Some scientists believe that other factors play a role in the development of mesothelioma. Besides exposure to asbestos at home or at work, living with an individual who works with asbestos may also increase the risk of developing the disease. Smoking may increase a person's risk of developing the disease as well.
- According to the Mayo Clinic, most people with mesothelioma cannot be cured. This type of cancer tends to be very aggressive, and it is often not diagnosed until it has reached an advanced stage. When it is diagnosed at a later stage, there is less chance that a doctor will be able to remove it safely. As such, treatment is often aimed at keeping the patient as comfortable as possible rather than curing the cancer.
- Surgery is one of the treatment options for those with mesothelioma. It can be used to reduce the buildup of fluid and/or remove cancerous tissue. Chemotherapy--chemicals used to fight cancer--is also a treatment option that can destroy cancerous cells. Radiation therapy--high levels of radiation aimed at the body--may be used for the same purpose. Sometimes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy is used to fight the disease aggressively, and it may help in some cases. Unfortunately, according to the National Cancer Institute, the cancer usually comes back
