Learn About Cancer »Types of Cancer »Lung Cancer

What is Mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare disease in which cancerous cells are found in the pleura or peritoneum.

• The pleura is a thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs.
• The peritoneum is a thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen.

All About Malignant Mesothelioma a comprehensive resource describing symptoms, causes, and treatments

Most people diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma have worked in jobs where they were exposed to asbestos. Family members also may experience exposure to asbestos in the home from particles on a loved one's clothing, etc.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Surgery is occasionally used to treat mesothelioma by removing part of the chest or abdominal lining, some of the tissue around it and possibly a lung, depending on the stage of the mesothelioma.

Chemotherapy is the mainstay of mesothelioma treatment. Recent lung cancer clinical trials have shown that chemotherapy increases survival rates among patients with mesothelioma. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy or both also may be used alone or in combination with surgery.

Researchers at lung cancer treatment centers like Fox Chase, including Joseph Testa, PhD, are currently investigating the role of specialized proteins (detectable on a blood test). These proteins may be a means of early detection and treatment monitoring for mesothelioma.

Pain Management for Mesothelioma

Patients often experience pain when their lungs collapse. Fox Chase Cancer Center offers comprehensive pain relief for lung cancer patients. More

For more information about lung cancer treatment and prevention at Fox Chase Cancer Center or to make an appointment, call 1-888-FOX CHASE (1-888-369-2427).