Mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane lining surrounding lungs, heart, or abdomen. Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is the most common form, affecting the lining of the lungs. MPM is a rare and deadly tumor caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was banned in 52 countries by the year 1990, yet cases of mesothelioma continue to be on the rise. This is due to the fact that mesothelioma has a long latency period and symptoms of the disease do not begin to appear anywhere from 10 to twenty years after initial exposure.
Most commonly, mesothelioma is not discovered until the cancer has reached advanced stages. The average survival has been quite poor, less than a year after diagnosis. With some progress in methods of diagnosis and treatment, average survival rates are now higher, around two years, IF the tumor can be resected by surgery and then followed up with chemotherapy and/or radiation. Without surgery, survival times continue to be shorter.
Clinical trials continue to search for innovative ways of diagnosing mesothelioma earlier and intervening with more effectiveness using different treatment modalities. For more information on the latest research that is showing promise in extending survival times for mesothelioma, read the rest of the articles under this section which is keep constantly updated with the latest discoveries.