Mesothelioma Resources and Information

Definition of Mesothelioma:

Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer, usually associated with previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant (cancerous) cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Mesothelioma has different names, depending on what part of the body mesothelioma is found in. In the abdomen, peritoneum mesothelioma (cancer of the abdomen), in the lungs, pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining), and in the heart, pericardium mesothelioma. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity). Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products.

Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions.

Helpful Links

Mesothelioma.com - Comprehensive information site on mesothelioma diagnosis, treatment, coping, asbestos disease and financial assistance. Receive a comprehensive mesothelioma packet free of charge at your doorstep within 24 hours.

Cancer.gov - Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers from the U.S. National Institute of Health. They answer the most commonly asked questions with easy to understand answers. Also available in Spanish.

Cancer.org - Detailed Guide to Malignant Mesothelioma. They offer many subtopics related to Mesothelioma, including treatment options, staging, detection, questions to ask your doctor and more.

MesotheliomaWeb.org - The Mesothelioma Web (MW) is dedicated to consolidating the most up to date, concise, mesothelioma medical information, contacts and important links. Their resource co-ordinators are constantly on the lookout for new information and are available to help you find answers for your individual situation. Mesothelioma Web may be contacted toll-free at 1-877-FOR-MESO (1-877-367-6376).

MARF.org - The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) was formed in late 1999 to restore hope and end the misery for mesothelioma patients and their families. Their mission is to eradicate mesothelioma as a life-ending disease through research, education and awareness.

MesotheliomaResourceOnline.com - Mesothelioma Resource Online provides information on the symptoms and diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma treatments and suggests the best options for making your legal claim. Offers a Free Information Pack sent to your home.

Mesothelioma-Lung-Cancer.org - To Obtain the Best Treatment Info and Financial Assistance contact them for a Free Information Packet which includes: Cancer Hospital Locations, Clinical Trials, Hazardous Jobs/Products, New Treatment Options, Doctors and Financial Assistance. Fill out the form on their site or call 1-800-780-2686.

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