Mesothelioma Cancer - Information and Causes.
Mesothelioma Cancer: Mesothelioma cancer is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that develops in the inner layers of the lungs, abdomen, heart or testicles. The only known cause of malignant mesothelioma is asbestos, but there are other potential risk factors. Due to the longer incubation period, symptoms may take 10 to 50 years to develop after exposure. According to the latest data, approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States. The average life expectancy of patients with mesothelioma is 12-21 months, but will vary depending on tumor location, cell type, stage, and patient characteristics. There is currently no cure for cancer, but surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials can improve patient outcomes. Cause of Mesothelioma: The only known cause of malignant mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. When asbestos is disturbed, microscopic fibers are released into the air and inhaled or ingested. The fibers ca...