Did you mean Mesothelioma?

“Misothilioma”is a common misspelling of the word mesothelioma (“pronounced mez-uh-thee-lee-YOH-muh). Mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the heart, abdomen, or lungs, and is contributed to prior asbestos exposure.

Pleural mesothelioma – occurring in the lung cavity – is the most commonly diagnosed type of mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the heart, and peritoneal mesothelioma, which manifests in the lining of the abdomen, are far less common. Once an individual has inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers, it can be decades before a malignancy forms on the mesothelium, or lining of the internal organs.

Mesothelioma typically affects those who handled or worked near asbestos, such as construction workers or Navy veterans. Secondhand exposure to asbestos may also lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, and in the UK, for example, many women are being diagnosed with these diseases after washing their spouse’s work clothes, which contained errant asbestos dust and fibers.

If you worked around asbestos, it is imperative that you speak with a doctor about your likelihood of developing mesothelioma.

Last modified: February 15 2010.