The Maune Raichle Law Firm

Mesothelioma Facts

There is much common confusion when it comes to mesothelioma. This happens in part because of the amount of information currently available on the subject. However, many of these sources choose to represent medical opinions, which have been proven false or misleading.

The most simple and important facts about mesothelioma are that it is a cancer of the mesothelium, not lung, and that asbestos can cause mesothelioma but is not the only cause. Mesothelioma does, in about 10% of all cases, result from factors other than asbestos. There is a genetic component to most cases of mesothelioma which do not involve asbestos but scientists have not ruled out the existence of other possible factors.

Although mesothelioma is often found in the chest cavity and lungs, mesothelioma is a cancer which originates in the mesothelium, a layer of connective and epithelial tissue which allows for movement of internal organs as well as serves as the walls of the pleural cavity, peritoneal cavity, and heart sac. Like most cancer, mesothelioma can infiltrate surrounding organs and, when found in the pleural mesothelioma, often migrates to the lungs. Contrary to popular belief, mesothelioma can occur in any of the 3 epithelial tissue areas listed above; however, pleural mesothelioma accounts for the vast majority - about 70% - of all cases.

The facts about prognosis and survival rates of those diagnosed with mesothelioma are also vastly exaggerated or based on old information. When mesothelioma is detected early, before it has had a chance to spread, the 5 year survival rate can be as high as 40-50%, which is much higher than previously believed. However, one contributing factor to the mortality rate of the disease is the fact that mesothelioma's symptoms are often dismissed during its early stages as symptoms related to a less serious illness. Another factor affecting survival rates is the fact that many who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are already elderly and may have other serious illnesses.