What does mesothelioma mean?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals that were commonly used in construction and insulation until their health risks were discovered. Mesothelioma can take decades to develop after exposure to asbestos, and symptoms may not appear until many years after initial exposure. The disease is often fatal, and treatment options are limited. Understanding mesothelioma is crucial for workers who have been exposed to asbestos and for medical professionals who diagnose and treat the disease.
nounA rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, caused by exposure to asbestos.
- A type of cancer
- A medical condition caused by asbestos exposure
"The patient was diagnosed with mesothelioma after years of working with asbestos in the construction industry."
"The doctor explained that mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs."
"The company was sued by workers who developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos on the job."
countable, typically used in medical or formal contexts
"The study examined several cases of mesotheliomas in workers exposed to asbestos."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mesothelioma
The word 'mesothelioma' comes from the Greek words 'mesos', meaning 'middle', and 'thelion', meaning 'nipple', referring to the tumor's location in the middle layer of cells lining the body's internal organs. The term was first used in the early 20th century to describe a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a layer of cells that lines the lungs, abdomen, and heart.
How mesothelioma is actually used
Formal or medical contexts; often used in discussions of occupational health and safety.