Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant Mesothelioma (sometimes mispelled as mesotheleoma) is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. It is a rare form of cancer in which malignant cells are found in the sac-like lining of the chest (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), heart (pericarium), or reproductive organs. Virtually all cases of malignant mesothelioma are attributable to asbestos exposure.
Technically, tumors of the pleura or peritoneum can be benign (non-cancerous tumors). However, nearly all tumors of these linings, both known as mesothelium, are cancerous (or "malignant"). While cancerous mesothelioma is known as malignant mesothelioma, it is often shortened to simply mesothelioma because benign mesothelioma is so rare.
Types of Malignant Mesothelioma
The most common types of malignant mesothelioma are pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. Together, these two types make up nearly all cases of mesothelioma; approximately two thirds of all cases of mesothelioma are pleural mesothelioma and one-third is peritoneal (or abdominal) mesothelioma.
- Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
- Mesotheliomas that occur in the pleura, or membrane surrounding the lungs and chest are known as pleural mesotheliomas. The most common kind of mesothelioma. More on Pleural Mesothelioma.
- Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Also known as abdominal mesothelioma, this cancer is diagnosed less than 1000 times each year. Learn more about Peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Malignant Pericardial Mesothelioma
- Surrounding the heart, mesothelial tumors in the pericardium are known as pericardial mesothelioma. This is an extremely rare form of cancer.
- Malignant Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis Testi (or Tunica Serosa Uteri)
- Perhaps the most rare form mesothelioma, this cancer arises out of the membrane surrounding the internal reproductive organs.
Causes of Malignant Mesothelioma
The only known cause of malignant mesothelioma is asbestos. Thin, small, and lightweight, asbestos fibers are easily made airborne. Workers may then easily inhale or injest the fibers. Asbestos fibers may make their way into mesothelial linings by going through the tissues of the lung or gastrointestinal tract, or through the lymph system. Strong and immune to the body's natural defenses, asbestos has been found in every organ of the body, including the brain.