Mesothelioma

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) occurs when the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. Nearby tissues and organ can be affected and the cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the lining of the lungs (pleura or peritoneum). Many cases of mesothelioma develop in people who have worked in jobs where they have inhaled asbestos particles.

UHN Resources

UHN Brochures and Pamphlets

• Mesothelioma: Guide to Finding Information

UHN Clinics or Centres

• Occupational Lung Disease Clinic
• Lung Clinic
• Early Detection Clinic
• Oncology Interactive Education Series

Related Web Sites

• Asbestos: Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers
  Printable asbestos handout outling its uses, hazards and safe handling. Local Occupational Health Clinics are also listed.
• Asbestos Exposure: Q&As - National Cancer Institute
  Explains the risks of exposure and provides links to protection and legal agencies.
• Canadian Cancer Society: What is Pleural Mesothelioma?
  Signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment - from a Canadian perspective.
• Cancer Research UK
  UK site with extensive resources on diagnosing, treating and living with mesothelioma.
• Mesothelioma (benign-fibrous) MedlinePLUS
• Mesothelioma (malignant) MedlinePLUS
  These MedlinePLUS entries include basic information and detailed illustrations of the respiratory system.
• Mesothelioma - Biomed Image Archive
  A collection of medical laboratory teaching images of various types of mesothelioma.
• Mesothelioma Essentials
  Supported by ALCASE U.S., information includes clinical trial listings, support and discussion groups and recommended resources.
• Mesothelioma: Q&As - National Cancer Institute
  Covering basic anatomy questions, occurrence rates, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.
• Mesothelioma: Virtual Hospital
  Information of a more clinical level, focusing in-depth on treatment options and new therapeutic modalities.
• Mesothelioma: What is It? - Mesothelioma Information & Resource Group
  It is the aim of this group to provide information about the disease, its causes, its treatment and its personal and legal impact. While this site is backed by the American Cancer Society, it is supported by a Massachsetts law firm.