01-18-2009, 05:13 PM
Benign epithelium is a noncancerous tumor of the lining of the lung and chest cavity, an area called the pleura.
Malignant epithelium is an uncommon cancerous tumor of the lining of the lung and chest cavity (pleura) or lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) that is typically due to long-term asbestos exposure.
Malignant epithelium affects men more often than women. The average age at diagnosis is 60.
Malignant epithelium is a difficult cancer to treat.
There is usually no cure, unless the disease is found extremely early and the tumor can be completely removed with surgery. However, most of the time at diagnosis, the disease is too advanced for surgery. Chemotherapy or radiation may be used to reduce symptoms. Combining certain chemotherapy drugs may help decrease symptoms, but it will not cure the cancer.
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