The Mesothelioma SOS Glossary - M

Massage
The application of systematic manipulation to the soft tissues of the body for therapeutic purposes.  These manipulations, usually by hand, invlove stroking, kneading, and percussion.

Medication
According to established medical guidelines, medication is a drug that is used to treat an illness or disease.

Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer in which cancerous cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs.

Mesothelium
Layer of cells that form a thin membrane that lines certain body cavities, where it covers the lungs and inner chest wall surfaces, is called the pleura; where it covers the covers the organs of the abdomen it is called the peritoneum; where it surrounds the heart it is called the pericardium.

Metastasis
The process of cancer cells traveling from the original tumor site to other tissues through the blood and lymph vessels.  it usually causes cancers in other areas of the body.

MRI
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging.  It is the method of obtaining internal images using radio frequency waves and intense magnetic fields to excite atoms for evaluation.  An MRI can provide real-time, three-dimensional views of organs, muscles, and joints.

Multimodal Therapy
Therapy that combines more than one method of treatment.