As well, the tumor can spread through the chest and cause significant pain and discomfort. Malignant pleural mesothelioma accounts for nearly 3 out of 4 of every case reported. There is currently no cure for malignant mesothelioma. For those who have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, the outcome depends on numerous factors, including the size, location and how advanced the tumor is, as well as the effectiveness of the chosen treatment. The average time from diagnosis to succumbing to the cancer is one year.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a tumor of the abdominal mesothelium.
Researchers and doctors believe that abdominal mesothelioma develops when mucus within the trachea and bronchi trap the asbestos fibers, which are then swallowed. Some of these fibers imbed themselves in the intestinal wall and eventually make their way into the peritoneum. An alternative theory holds that asbestos fibers imbedded in the lungs move into the lymphatic system and then move on to the peritoneum. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is quite similar to pleural mesothelioma, except that is occurs in the abdominal region. The tumor can disrupt normal breathing if it moves upward in the abdominal.