Mesothelioma Summary The tissue that lines your lungs, stomach, heart, and other organs is called mesothelium. Mesothelioma is a tumor of that tissue. It usually starts in the lungs, but can also start in the abdomen or other organs. It can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer.) Malignant mesothelioma is a rare but serious type of cancer. Most people who get it have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. After being exposed to asbestos, it usually takes a long time for the disease to form. Symptoms include Trouble breathing Pain under the rib cage Pain, swelling, or lumps in the abdomen Weight loss for no known reason Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer. Your doctor uses imaging tests and a biopsy to make the diagnosis. Malignant mesothelioma is often found when it is advanced. This makes it harder to treat. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. NIH: National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute Encyclopedia Abdominal radiation – discharge After chemotherapy – discharge Chest radiation – discharge Radiation enteritis Find an Expert American Cancer Society American Cancer Society American Lung Association American Lung Association National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute Related Issues Asbestos Exposure and Cancer Risk National Cancer Institute Prevention and Risk Factors Can Malignant Mesothelioma Be Found Early? American Cancer Society Do We Know What Causes Malignant Mesothelioma? American Cancer Society Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Mesothelioma National Institutes of Health Treatments and Therapies Drugs Approved for Malignant Mesothelioma National Cancer Institute Treatment Option Overview (Malignant Mesothelioma) National Cancer Institute Treatment Options for Malignant Mesothelioma National Cancer Institute Start Here General Information about Malignant Mesothelioma National Cancer Institute Mesothelioma Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research What Is Malignant Mesothelioma? American Cancer Society Diagnosis and Tests How Is Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosed? American Cancer Society Stages of Malignant Mesothelioma National Cancer Institute Array Mesothelioma – benign-fibrous Mesothelioma – malignant Living With Mesothelioma Treatment: Recovery, Side Effects, What to Expect Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Specifics Peritoneal Mesothelioma Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Journal Articles Asbestos related mesothelioma Mesothelioma Patient Handouts Understanding Chemotherapy National Cancer Institute What to Know about External Beam Radiation Therapy National Cancer Institute Statistics and Research What Are the Key Statistics about Malignant Mesothelioma? American Cancer Society What’s New in Malignant Mesothelioma Research and Treatment? American Cancer Society
