Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which occurs in the lining of the lung (the pleura) or in the abdomen (the peritoneum). In very rare cases, mesothelioma can occur in other areas of the body as well. The major known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Although science is not certain as to the exact mechanism which causes mesothelioma, it is thought that the asbestos fibers puncture the parenchyma, become lodged in the pleura, and by process of irritation create the change in the cells which causes the mesothelioma.
The chance of recovery for a person with mesothelioma depends on several factors, including:
- Size of the cancer
- Location of the cancer
- Spread of the cancer throughout the body
- Response to treatment
- Appearance of the cells under a microscope
- Age of the patient
Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. Virtually all cases of malignant mesothelioma are attributable to asbestos exposure
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