Mesothelioma
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma starts in cells in the membrane that lines body cavities and surrounds most of your internal organs (called the mesothelium). The most common type is pleural mesothelioma.
Risks for mesothelioma
Risks for mesothelioma include asbestos and ionizing radiation.
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on if cancer starts in the pleura or peritoneum. Common symptoms include weight loss and fatigue.
Diagnosis of mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can be diagnosed or ruled out by tests such as an x-ray, CT scan or MRI.
Stages of pleural mesothelioma
The stage of pleural mesothelioma describes the size of the tumour (T), if cancer is in the lymph nodes (N) and if it has spread, or metastasized (M). The other types of mesothelioma are not given a stage.
If mesothelioma spreads
Pleural mesothelioma can spread (metastasize) to the space between the lungs (mediastinum) or to organs in the chest. Peritoneal mesothelioma can spread to organs in the abdomen.
Prognosis and survival for mesothelioma
Prognosis estimates the outcome for mesothelioma. It depends on many factors, including the subtype of mesothelioma, stage and if the cancer can be removed with surgery.
Treatments for mesothelioma
Treatment for mesothelioma depends on if doctors think most or all of the cancer that they can see can be removed with surgery. It may also be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy.
Supportive care for mesothelioma
Supportive care helps people meet the physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma statistics
Cancer statistics tell us how many people in Canada are diagnosed with and die from mesothelioma in a certain time frame.
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