Glossary

Mesothelioma Cancer

biopsy	Sample of tissue taken to help for examination under a microscope by a histopathologist, to determine the structure and type of tissue.
bronchogenic lung cancer	Lung cancer arising in the airways (breathing tubes) of the lungs
carcinogen	A substance or agent that causes cancer.
chemotherapy	Administration of chemicals to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Given as injections intravenously, or by mouth. Usually given in 'cycles'.
chronic	Long-lasting, occurring over a longer period of time. Contrast with 'acute': occurring over a short period of time.
clubbing	Swelling of the tissues at the fingertips associated with lung diseases, congenital heart disease and certain bowel problems. At first there is loss of the angle between the nail base and the adjacent skin. Overlying skin may become shiny and red; eventually the curve of the nail increases and the whole fingertip becomes swollen and 'club-like'.
decortication	Removal of the outermost part of an organ (e.g. the lung)
diaphragm	Large muscular structure separating chest and abdominal cavities; important in breathing.
endoscope	Thin, flexible tube with a light beam and a tiny camera, which transmits images back to a video monitor. Used to visualize internal parts of the body.
esophagus	Tube that takes food from the mouth into the stomach. Passes through the mediastinum.
mediastinum	Central part of the chest between the lungs, containing the heart, the great vessels to and from the heart, the trachea and structures leading from the neck into the abdomen (esophagus, nerves).
mesothelium	Thin membrane that covers the body's organs and lines internal cavities. Called the pleura in relation to the lungs; the peritoneum in the abdomen, and the pericardium in relation to the heart. Also exists on structures such as the ovaries and testes.
metastases	Spread of a cancer to different parts of the body from the original (or primary) tumor. The metastases are termed 'secondary' tumors.
palliative care	Medical or nursing care to relieve pain and suffering, usually in a person with a terminal disease. Does not attempt to treat the underlying condition.
platelet	Type of cell found in the blood that assists with clotting.
pleura	Mesothelial membrane that covers the lungs (visceral pleura) and lines the chest wall (parietal pleura). The 'potential space' between the two layers of pleura normally contains a few cc of lubricating fluid, but may become filled with fluid (pleural effusion) in certain conditions.
pleuritic chest pain	Chest wall pain related to the pleura; usually sharp and knife-like in quality.
radiation therapy	X-ray therapy treatment of disease, often cancer.
thoracoscopy	Examination of the pleural space within the chest, using an endoscope.
trachea	Main tube taking air into the lungs.

The information provided in this site is general in nature and constitutes neither legal nor medical advice. If you are concerned that you or someone you know is at risk of an asbestos-related disease, please consult your physician and an attorney experienced in asbestos litigation cases.

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Section Index

Mesothelioma Cancer

Glossary

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