ABOUT MESOTHELIOMA

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura, the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity or in the peritoneum, the tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. Less frequently, it can occur in the pericardium, the lining of the heart, or the tunica, the lining around the testicles. Although reported incidence rates have increased over the past 20 years, it is still a relatively rare cancer.

What are the risk factors?

Exposure to asbestos is the only known risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70-80% of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.

Although smoking does not increase the risk of mesothelioma, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may not appear until 20-50 years after exposure to asbestos. Early symptoms are generally non-specific and may lead to a delay in diagnosis. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include: shortness of breath, persistent cough, or pain in the chest. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include: pain or swelling in the abdomen, bowel obstruction, bloating, or nausea. Weight loss, fever, and night sweats are symptoms that may be attributed to either peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma. These symptoms or any combination of these symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis; it is imperative to see a doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

How is the diagnosis of mesothelioma confirmed?

Tissue is removed at surgery (biopsy or resection). The tissue is processed, embedded in paraffin and cut and stained with hematoxylin and Eosin for microscopic examination. This first set of slides provides the basis of considering mesothelioma in the differential diagnosis. Based on the initial examination, a panel of immunohistochemical stains is performed. In the majority of cases, a definite diagnosis can be made by these methods. In the remaining, electron microscopic examination may provide diagnostic information. The chief pathologist involved with mesothelioman is Dr. Aliya Husain.

Learn more about Dr. Husain

Why are CT scans and other x-rays important?

Computed tomography (CT) scanners use x-rays to produce images of the body in a format that allows a more complete and unobstructed view of anatomy and disease than a standard x-ray examination. A single CT scan of a patient's chest generates over 100 "cross sectional" images. In these images, mesothelioma appears as a thick "rind" surrounding the perimeter of the lung. The thickness of this rind is an important factor in determining the extent of mesothelioma, and a comparison of thickness between different scans acquired from the same patient over time provides the basis for assessing disease progression or response to treatment. Heber MacMahon, MD, is the Director of Thoracic Radiology. Dr. MacMahon and Samuel Armato, PhD, are recognized experts in radiological research in thoracic imaging.

Learn more about Dr. MacMahon

Learn more about Dr. Armato

Please use the below link to learn about mesothelioma therapites and what the University of Chicago Cancer Research Center is doing to help mesothelioma patients.

Treating Mesothelioma