Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which cells form malignant (cancer) in the lining of the chest or abdomen.
Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which cells are malignant (cancerous) in the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs) or peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue lining the abdomen and covers most organs in the abdomen). This summary is about malignant mesothelioma of the pleura.
Exposure to asbestos can affect the risk of malignant mesothelioma.
Anything that increases the risk of contracting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer, not having risk factors does not mean that you will get cancer. People who think they are at risk should discuss with your doctor.
Many people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. After exposure to asbestos, it usually takes a long time until it manifests malignant mesothelioma. Other risk factors for malignant mesothelioma include:
- Living with a person who works near asbestos.
- Being exposed to a virus.
Possible signs of malignant mesothelioma include shortness of breath and pain under the rib cage.
Sometimes the cancer causes fluid to collect around the lung or abdomen. These symptoms may be caused by the fluid or malignant mesothelioma. Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. Call your doctor if any of the following problems:
- Shortness of breath.
- Pain under the rib cage.
- Abdominal pain or inflammation.
- Lumps in the abdomen.
- Weight loss for no known reason.
