Did you mean Mesothelioma?

Mesotheioma is a commonly misspelled version of the term “mesothelioma,” (“pronounced mez-uh-thee-lee-YOH-muh). Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma occurs within the pleura (envelops the lung), peritoneum (envelops the abdominal cavity), or pericardium (envelops the heart), thin membranes which surround the body’s internal organs and other structures. Asbestos is a known carcinogen that was used extensively leading up until the late-1970s. Asbestos fibers, which are microscopic, lodge in these membranes causing a sustained inflammation of the tissue over many years, eventually laying the foundation for malignant plaques to form.

Mesothelioma is relatively rare and treatment options are typically restricted to palliative therapies which ease symptoms of the disease. Patients diagnosed early may be eligible for aggressive surgical therapies which can extend survival far beyond previously-achieved levels. Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma who were wrongfully exposed to asbestos should complete the brief contact form on this page and receive a free mesothelioma information packet detailing emerging treatment options as well as legal options they may be entitled to.

Last modified: February 15 2010.