Mesothelioma (malignant)

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Respiratory system

Malignant mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor of the pleura (lining of the lung and chest cavity) or peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) that is almost always caused by sustained exposure to asbestos.

Malignant mesothelioma is a diffuse tumor that affects men more frequently than women. Sustained exposure to asbestos is the biggest risk factor. It can take 20 to 50 years or even longer between exposure to asbestos and onset of the disease.

The median age of diagnosis is 60. The tumor can spread rapidly to involve the pericardium (sac around the heart), mediastinum, and the other pleura. Worsening pain and shortness of breath can occur. The tumor is usually associated with a pleural effusion.

It can be hard to distinguish between this type of tumor and other conditions and tumors of the pleura, even when experienced pathologists are viewing biopsy samples.

Review Date: 10/31/2005
Reviewed By: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor or Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.