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This article has been reviewed for clinical accuracy.
A mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the cells that make up the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining or membrane that covers and protects various internal organs of the body. The mesothelium is composed of two layers of specialized cells known as mesothelial cells. One layer directly surrounds an organ; the other forms a protective sac around thoracic and peritoneal organs.
The most common form of mesothelioma affects the pleura, which is the membrane or sac that lines the lungs and chest cavity. Other, rarer types of mesothelioma affect tissue in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), around the heart and around the testicles.
Mesothelioma doesn’t include a form of noncancerous (benign) tumor that occurs in the chest and is sometimes called benign mesothelioma or solitary fibrous tumor.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer. Mesothelioma treatments are available, but for many people with mesothelioma, a cure is not possible. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until up to 30 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos.
However, after symptoms become apparent, mesothelioma may rapidly progress to cause life-threatening complications.
However, after symptoms become apparent, mesothelioma may rapidly progress to cause life-threatening complications.
In 2015, the fatality rate for mesothelioma in the United States (U.S.) was 10.93 per million people. Only 9 percent of those diagnosed with mesothelioma live longer than 5 years.
The term “cancer” refers to a group of diseases characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled cellular growth (e.g., mesothelial cells) that invades surrounding tissues and may spread (metastasize) to distant bodily tissues or organs via the bloodstream, the lymphatic system, or other means.
Different forms of cancer, including mesothelioma, may be classified based upon the cell type involved, the specific nature of the malignancy, the tissues or organs affected, and the disease’s clinical course. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending upon the location, type, and stage of cancer.
Mesothelioma Health Resources
Approximately 70 to 90% of cases of mesothelioma result from exposure to asbestos. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until up to 30 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. However, after symptoms become apparent, mesothelioma may rapidly progress to cause life-threatening complications.
American Cancer Society, Inc.
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website:: http://www.cancer.org
American Lung Association
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Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.lungusa.org
National Cancer Institute
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PMP Pals’ Network
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Canadian Cancer Society
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Canada
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Fax: 4164882872
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Email: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.cancer.ca/
Cancer Care, Inc.
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Tel: (212)712-8400
Fax: (212)719-0263
Tel: (800)813-4673
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.cancercare.org
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, Inc.
1317 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
USA
Tel: (805)563-8400
Fax: (805)563-8411
Tel: (877)363-6376
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.curemeso.org
Rare Cancer Alliance
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USA
Website: http://www.rare-cancer.org
Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8126
Tel: (301)251-4925
Fax: (301)251-4911
Tel: (888)205-2311
TDD: (888)205-3223
Website: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/GARD/
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
1525 Aviation Boulevard Suite 318
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
Tel: (310)251-7477
Fax: (866)294-1550
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org
Friends of Cancer Research
1800 M Street NW
Suite 1050 South
Washington, DC 22202
Tel: (202)944-6700
Email: [email protected]
Internet: http://www.focr.org
Cancer.Net
American Society of Clinical Oncology
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Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: (571)483-1780
Fax: (571)366-9537
Tel: (888)651-3038
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.cancer.net/
Cancer Support Community
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Tel: (202)659-9709
Fax: (202)974-7999
Tel: (888)793-9355
Website: https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/
Nigerian Cancer Society
No 26 Oluwunmi Crescent
Off Alex Ekwueme Way
Kado estate (by Kado Police Station)
Abuja
E-mail: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nigerian-Cancer-Society
Twitter: @NigCancer
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nigerian-Cancer-Society
Twitter: @NigCancer
Website: www.cancerng.org/
Society of Oncology and Cancer Research of Nigeria (SOCRON)
SOCRON OFFICE
102 Bashorun Road, Ashi, Ibadan.
P.O. Box 29822, Secretariat Post Office,
Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
102 Bashorun Road, Ashi, Ibadan.
P.O. Box 29822, Secretariat Post Office,
Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Telephone:(+234)027512634
FAX:(+234)027512634
E-mail:[email protected]
E-mail:[email protected]
website: http://www.socron.net/
Common Sleep Issues Associated With Cancer | Tuck sleep
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Drug Dangers
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DANGEROUS DRUG AND DEVICES
EMAIL: [email protected]
TELEPHONE: 1-888-443-7024
Address: 77 Water Street 8th Floor New York, NY 10005
Website:https://www.drugdangers.com/
Mesothelioma Justice Network
1330 Boylston Street, Suite 400
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
Tel: (888) 360-4215
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.asbestos.
Useful Cancer Links
- www.uicc.org
- www.livestrong.org
- www.inctr.org
- www.asco.org
For a Complete Report of Mesothelioma cancer links
This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be downloaded free from the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational therapies (if available), and references from medical literature.
The information provided in this article report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.
This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD’s resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.
For additional information and assistance about rare disorders and mesothelioma and cancer resources, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; website: www.rarediseases.org or email: [email protected]
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Healthsoothe Medical Reference from the National Organization for Rare Disorders
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