OVERVIEW
Malignant mesothelioma is
a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the thin layer of tissue
that covers the lung, chest wall, or abdomen. It may also form in the heart or
testicles, but this is rare.
The type of malignant
mesothelioma depends on the cell in which it began. The most common type of
malignant mesothelioma is epithelial mesothelioma, which forms in the cells
that line organs. The other types begin in spindle-shaped cells called sarcomatoid
cells or are a mixture of both cell types. Epithelial mesothelioma may grow
more slowly and have a better prognosis than other types.
The major cause of
malignant mesothelioma is being exposed to asbestos over a period of time. This
includes people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace and their family
members.
After a person is exposed
to asbestos, it usually takes at least 20 years for malignant mesothelioma to
form.
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