Mesothelioma, or cancer of the mesothelium, is a rare form of cancer, wherein the mesothelium cells grow uncontrollably or divide abnormally. They damage other tissues and organs as they spread.
Mesothelium is known by different names depending on which organ it protects. Pleura refer to the protective membrane surrounding the lungs. Peritoneum refers to the mesothelial tissue covering the abdomen. Pericardium is the membrane lining the heart. The types of mesothelioma would depend also on the location of tumor in the body.
2,500 to 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are reported each year. Worldwide, there are approximately 10,000 reported cases (this already includes the US) annually.
9 out of every 10 cases of mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos. Of the diagnosed mesothelioma cases, 70%-80% have inhaled asbestos at their workplace. Because of this statistic, mesothelioma is considered an occupational-related disease.
It is estimated that 27 million people have been exposed to mesothelioma from 1940 to 1979.
Approximately 110,000 schools in the US still have an amount of asbestos.
There are more male mesothelomia victims than females; the ratio is 5:1.
Smoking alone does not cause mesothelioma, but asbestos-exposed people who smoke are 50%-90% more likely to develop lung cancer or mesothelioma than those who don’t smoke.
Mesothelioma does not exhibit symptoms until 20-50 years after asbestos exposure.
Many industrial countries have now banned mesothelioma.
The average survival rate of mesothelioma is 1 year; about 10% have a survival rate of 3-5 years.
Incidence of mesothelioma increases with age. 75% of people with mesothelioma are aged 65 and above. On the other hand, it is rare among people less than 55 years of age.
Tests for mesothelioma may include x-ray, fluid sampling, biopsy, and imaging (CT scans, MRI scans).
The 9/11 bombing of the World Trade Center released approximately 1,000 tons of asbestos into downtown Manhattan.
No cure for mesothelomia has yet been developed.