• Acute pain
A sharp, stabbing pain possibly severe, though lasting only for a short duration.
• Adenocarcinoma
Cancer that attacks the glandular cells and areas of the body which produce mucous. Such tumors may be found along the lung's outer edges and under membranous lining of the bronchi.
• Adjuvant therapy
Drug treatment aka Chemo given in addition to radiation or surgery to help prevent reoccurrence of cancer.
• Alopecia
An autoimmune disease that invades the body's hair follicles (usually the scalp) and inhibits hair growth
• Alveoli
Small end branches of the lungs that the body uses primarily for pulmonary gas exchange. This is where asbestos fibers can get lodged leading to possible scarring.
• Anemia
When the body doesn't have sufficient red blood cells; one of the side effects from chemotherapy. Anemia symptoms commonly include a feeling of tiredness, weakness and shortness of breath.
• Asbestos
The generic name applied to 6 natural, fibrous minerals used in various industries such as insulation, construction and automobile parts manufacturing for their temperature resistant properties.
• Asbestosis
Scar damage to lung tissues from the inhalation of asbestos fibers and exposure to asbestos dust.
• Benign
A condition commonly associated with cancer that indicates the condition is not serious or life threatening.
• Biopsy
Uses a needle to remove cell tissue sample to examine an area of the body to detect any cancerous growth.
• Bronchoscopy
A slender, lighted tube inserted through the patient's mouth or nose for examining breathing passages of the lungs.
• Butchart staging system
A standard practice that doctors use to determine at what stage mesothelioma has advanced in the patient.
• Cancer
Considered an abnormal cell growth caused by mutation of the cell's DNA. Cancer is either malignant or benign.
• Chemotherapy
Treatment method for mesothelioma and cancer using drugs to kill cancerous cells; administered in pill form or by injection.
• Clinical trials
Research whereby patients volunteer to test and evaluate new treatments. Every clinical trial works to address specific questions and discover better methods of treating individuals with certain diseases such as mesothelioma.
• CT scan
This is a particular x-ray which photographs cross sections of the body to reveal the location of mesothelioma.
• Gene therapy
Mesothelioma treatment technique which alters and impacts how the patient's body interprets cancer.
• Immunotherapy
Disease treatment that stimulates the body's immune system. Today the therapy is being tested for cancer as it arouses a pro-inflammatory, healing reaction.
• Latency period
The elapsed time between exposure to harmful agents such as asbestos and appearance of mesothelioma symptoms.
• Malignant
Cancerous cell growth which may be fatal if not diagnosed early & treated successfully.
• Mesothelium
Tissues generated by cells lining the abdominal, chest and lung cavities. The mesothelium secretes fluids which lubricate & enables the organs to move easily.
• Mesothelioma
A cancer which attacks either the lining of lungs, stomach, or chest; the primary cause is inhalation of asbestos fibers and dust through asbestos exposure.
• Metastasize
A cancerous growth which spreads to healthy organs and tissue from an affected organ elsewhere in the body.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
A technique that's used to view internal body structures, especially soft tissues such as the muscles, tendons and organs. An MRI image is also considered a better diagnostic tool than regular X-ray images.
• Multimodal therapy
Involves use of several types of treatments together to destroy mesothelioma cells.
• Pathologist
A doctor whose specialty is the structure, nature and identification of diseases.
• Pericardium
Lining within the chest; the sac containing the heart. It produces fluids which allow smooth, easy beating of the heart.
• Peritoneum
Lining which surrounds your abdominal cavity and stomach. It secretes fluids necessary for proper movements of intestines and stomach.
• Pleura
Protective lining of the lungs which secretes fluid allowing the lungs ease of movement during the breathing process.
• PET scan
(Positron Emission Tomography Scan); this is a procedure where a tiny amount of radioactive glucose is injected into the body with a scanner then used to attain a detailed picture of the glucose injection area, in order to detect any cancer cells.
• Pleural effusion
An accumulation of fluids between the lung's lining and the chest wall cavity; subsequent pressure usually results in painful discomfort & shortness of breath.
• Radiation therapy
High-energy x-rays used to destroy mesothelioma cells within the body.
• Risk factors
Anything identified by the physician that increases an individual's potential of developing a disease, or worsening an existing condition.
• Surgical oncology
Cancer treatment using surgery to remove cancerous cell tissue and/or tumors.
• Tumor
Abnormal tissue mass (non-inflammatory); grows from pre-existent cell tissues and has no useful function or purpose.
• Vermiculite
The processed mineral mica; gardening uses with air & water retention. Asbestos is occasionally found mixed in vermiculite resulting in asbestos related diseases.
• X-rays
Low doses of radiation exposure used to develop images of the body's internal structures; usually teeth and bones.