Mesothelioma: Asbestos Cancer
A rare and aggressive maligancy, mesothelioma is cancer affecting the lining that surrounds various organs and cavities within the body. Mesothelioma gets its name from this lining, which is called the mesothelium.
This lining exists in several places in the body, but tumors are most commonly found in the pleura (the mesothelial lining of the lungs and chest) and the abdomen. Pleural mesothelioma accounts for most cases of mesothelioma, about two thirds of all diagnosed cases. Abdominal or peritoneal mesothelioma makes up most of the remaining third (pericardial mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the heart, is an exceedingly rare variation).
Perhaps the most striking about mesothelioma, which kills more than 3000 people each year, is that is considered almost wholly preventable. Mesothelioma is almost always directly linked to asbestos exposure. Because of this, mesothelioma is often refered to as "asbestos cancer," however, mesothelioma is no the only cancer caused by asbestos. Lung cancer is also caused by asbestos exposure.
The Mesothelioma Center online is dedicated to providing those who suffer from the cancer malignant mesothelioma—also known as asbestos cancer—or from asbestosis, or who know someone who does, with the most up to date information and support.
- Find out more about malignant mesothelioma, and the various types (pleural and peritoneal) of mesothelioma.
- Learn about the symptoms of mesothelioma. Be sure to let your physician know about any prior asbestos exposure, as the symptoms are not unique.
- Diagnosing mesothelioma can be very difficult, and cases of mesothelioma misdiagnosed are not uncommon.
- Although serious, there is hope in a variety of treatment options for mesothelioma. Many new and novel treatments are currently being tested in mesothelioma clinical trials.
While "meso" (as it is sometimes called) is one of the most aggressive cancers, strides are constantly being made in combating this deadly disease. We encourage you to bookmark this site and return for the latest news and resources important to those suffering from mesothelioma and their families.
Asbestos & Mesothelioma News
- January 29, 2010 - ADAO’s Sixth Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference: April 9 – 11, Chicago
- December 18, 2009 - Asbestos and Other Hazards Removed from Walpole, Mass. Superfund Site
- December 14, 2009 - Milestone in the Quest for Better Mesothelioma Treatments: Department of Defense Begins to Address Service-Related Asbestos Cancer; Mesothelioma Foundation Sees Thousand-Fold Return on Its Research and Advocacy Investments
- December 12, 2009 - Statement of Lisa P. Jackson Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Legislative Hearing on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works December 2, 2009
- December 8, 2009 - U.S. EPA Issues California Toxic Release Data, Lead and Ammonia Among Most Common
- November 30, 2009 - US Labor Department’s OSHA proposes $484,000 in penalties against Cambria Contracting Inc. for asbestos hazards at Buffalo, NY, jobsite
- November 19, 2009 - Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Holds Sixth Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference
- November 17, 2009 - ADAO Encouraged by Energy and Commerce Subcommittee’s Hearing on “Prioritizing Chemicals for Safety Determination”
- November 11, 2009 - The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Applauds American Public Health Association’s Call for Ban on Asbestos, Annual Warnings for Workers in High-Risk Occupations
- October 9, 2009 - Vermont Flooring Contractor Faces Fine for Clean Air Violations
- [see mesothelioma news archives]
Mesothelioma Center Staff
Our staff diligently seeks new information and we are available 24 hours a day to help you find answers for your individual situation.
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