Did you mean Mesothelioma?
“Mesthelioma” is a frequent misspelling of the mesothelioma (“pronounced mez-uh-thee-lee-YOH-muh). A very rare form of cancer that generally occurs in the pleural lining of the lungs, mesothelioma has no known cure and is extremely aggressive.
Contributed to previous asbestos exposure, mesothelioma cancer has no known cure and can only be treated pallatively through chemotherapy, radiation, and sometimes surgery. Individuals such as World War II veterans, construction workers, firefighters, and miners are considered to be at the most risk of developing mesothelioma, as they were more likely to come into contact with asbestos on a regular basis. Those who served the city of New York following the September 11, 2001 disaster were also exposed to dangerous levels of airborne asbestos, and like the residents of the asbestos-plagued town of Libby, Montana, countless residents are now reporting asbestos-related illness, including pleural mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos, whether on the job or at home, it is crucial that you see a physician and undergo diagnostic testing. In recent years, the number of women exposed to asbestos in a secondhand fashion and thus developing mesothelioma has increased dramatically, so it is important to be aware of this possible respiratory health issue.
Last modified: February 15, 2010.
