Mesothelioma - Epidemiology and Management

Patricia      Tai; Edward      Yu; Avi      Assouline; Kurian      Joseph

Abstract

Mesothelioma is an uncommon tumor. It has a latency period of 20-40 years. The most important risk factor is asbestos exposure. Prognosis of mesothelioma is generally poor with high case-fatality rate, and research to improve the outcome of this disease is on-going worldwide. Due to its rarity, management by a multidisciplinary team with experience is recommended. Carefully selected patients may benefit from tri-modality (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy) treatment. The management of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma is summarized in this review. Recent advances in chemotherapy and biologic response modifiers are promising.

Keywords: Asbestos, epidemiology, treatment, Mesothelioma, tri-modality (surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy), pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, malignant meosothelioma

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