Did you mean Mesothelioma?

“Mesathelioma” is a misspelling of the word mesothelioma (“pronounced mez-uh-thee-lee-YOH-muh). Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer that occurs in the lining of the heart, lungs or abdomen, and affects about 2,500 Americans each year.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. The town of Libby, Montana, for example has had perhaps the most serious asbestos issue in the country. The now-closed W. R. Grace mine that operated in Libby exposed thousands of residents to harmful asbestos, and countless Libby citizens are now suffering from mesothelioma and other asbestos illnesses, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and asthma.

The only way to avoid developing mesothelioma is to avoid exposure to asbestos. If inhaled, asbestos fibers can remain in the mesothelium, or lining of the body’s internal organs, for upwards of fifty years before an individual begins to experience symptoms of a related illness. Speaking with your physician about your previous asbestos exposure is the best way to determine whether or not you may be predisposed to developing one of these diseases.

Last modified: February 15 2010.