Mesothelioma Causes and what to do after diagnosis
Author: Aaeron ehast
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the mesothelial cells that lines many organs and body cavities. The mesothelium (composed of mesothelial cells) is the membrane that lines three cavities of the body, and depending on the cavity that lines are assigned a specific name: the thoracic cavity (pleura), abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and bag the heart (pericardium).
The mesothelium that covers the internal organs is called visceral mesothelium, while the lining of the body wall is called parietal mesothelium.
The mesothelium tissue also surrounds the male internal reproductive organs and covers the internal reproductive organs in women.
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the mesothelium, in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide uncontrollably. They can invade and damage tissues and organs. Most cases of mesothelioma originates in the chest cavity (pleura) or the abdominal cavity (peritoneum)
About 2000 to 3000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States, covering about 3 percent of all cancer diagnoses. This cancer occurs four times more common in men than in women. Any form of mesothelioma is fatal, except for benign mesothelioma. The prognosis for mesothelioma is almost always poor and most studies report a median survival of less than a year, but the prognosis really depends on how early the diagnosis is made and if it aggressively.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a natural fibrous substance that was widely used in the twentieth century in a number of different industries. Popular because of its durability, fire resistance and insulating properties, asbestos was used regularly in the manufacture of thousands of products, until they gave warning of the dangers to mid-1970. It is estimated that approximately 80 to 90 percent of mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to asbestos.
Exactly how asbestos causes mesothelioma and is not well understood, but doctors and researchers have presented many theories. What is clear is that any exposure to asbestos can be dangerous and may result in the development of asbestos-related diseases later in life.