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Mesothelioma
What is Malignant Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is very rare that affects an estimated 3000 people per year in the United States. It is most prominetly found in people who have worked or are family members of people that have worked in the construction and building industry or have worked in the production of automotive brake pads. . The direct cause of mesothelioma is direct contact with asbestos. Mesothelioma is often called asbestos lung cancer but it is not considered common lung cancer. Common lung cancer affects the lung internally while mesothelioma affects the outer lining. It is often defined as a rare form of cancer in which cancer cells are found in the sac lining of three areas of the body: the chest, the lining of the abdominal cavity or the lining around the heart.” These are the three areas of the body that mesothelioma are known to affect. The medical names for these areas are the pleura, the peritoneum and the pericardium respectively and the lining around these organs is called the mesothelium.
Malignant Peural mesothelioma is cancer that is found in the lining of the chest. This is the most common area that is affected by the disease. It is estimated that 70 percent of all mesothlioma cases are peural mesothelioma. Malignant Pleural mesothelioma. If Mesothelioma is to be found in the abdominal cavity than it is referred as peritoneum mesothelioma. Mesothelioma which is found in the lining of the heart is known as pericardium mesothelioma.
When mesothelioma cancer spreads, the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal. These malignant cells begin to divide and spread without order and can begin to affect organs and tissues in the immediate area. This often leads to complications in the surrounding organs. Like all cancers mesothelioma is defined by what stage of progress the cancer is at. The sooner mesothelioma is diagnosed the better the prognosis for a full recovery. It will often take decades for mesothelioma to appear. It is very rare that you will even be affected but you should tell your doctor to any asbestos you have been exposed to.
Mesothelium
The membrane that surrounds and protects most of the body’s internal organs is known as the mesothelium. It is made up of two separate layers of cells. The first is that closest to the organ itself. The second layer is what actually forms the sac around the organ. This membrane is responsible for producing a special lubricating fluid. It is this fluid that allows the organ to move around in the body un-hurt. As noted, the mesothelium has different names depending on which organ it surrounds. The peritoneum is found in the abdominal cavity and the pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity.
Read more about Mesothelioma Risk Factors
>Read more about JOBS WITH AN INCREASED RISK OF ASBESTOS EXPOSURE
Asbestos exposure also is the cause of asbestosis, a chronic lung ailment that can produce shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage.
If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma as a result of Asbestos exposure, YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO MONETARY COMPENSATION!
Notice: This website is intended to provide general information about the form of cancer known as “mesothelioma”, as well as some of its known causes. This website does not claim to be complete in its discussion of the diagnosis, treatment and causes of mesothelioma. Since mesothelioma has been linked to, among other things, work related exposure to asbestos, issues of legal liability may be present in certain circumstances. The content of this web site has not been prepared or endorsed by any physicians or other licensed medical professionals. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical or legal advice. The purpose of this site is simply to provide patients and their families with useful information and access to other resources, which may be helpful. Patients are encouraged to consult with their physician for medical advice and with an attorney for legal advice. If you think that you have any of the symptoms related to mesothelioma you should contact a doctor immediately.