Peritoneal mesothelioma: a review
Wednesday, October 24th, 2007.
MedGenMed. 2007 May 10;9(2):32. [Link]
Bridda A, Padoan I, Mencarelli R, Frego M.
Clinica Chirurgica I, Department of Surgical and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padua, School of Medicine, Via Giustiniani 2, Policlinico III Piano, 35128 Padova, Italy. alex@omniazone.com
Abstract
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare aggressive tumor of the peritoneum, regarded as a universally fatal disease. It is poorly described and the knowledge of its natural history is very limited. Occupational and environmental asbestos exposure still remains a public health problem around the world. The incidence has increased in the past 2 decades. Only 20% to 33% of all mesotheliomas arise from the peritoneum itself; the pleura is the most common site of origin.
Glossary
- pleura
- (pler-uh) the membrane around the lungs and lining of the chest cavity. (Pleural mesothelioma.)
- tumor
- an abnormal lump or mass of tissue. Tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
- mesothelioma
- a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.
- peritoneal
- (pair-uh-tuh-nee-al) the serous membrane that lines the cavity of the abdomen. (More on Peritoneal Mesothelioma.)
