Mesothelioma and General Health

Predominantly affects males (70% of total cases) of 40-60 years of age, located mainly in the dorsal and basal pleura. It is a primary tumor, ie that formed directly in thin pleural tissues and to spread (metastasize) to other cancers originated in other organs.

Causes: asbestos and other mineral fibers
The outbreak appears to be highly correlated to prolonged exposure to mineral fibers, particularly asbestos and fluoroedenite. All phases of the minerals from which they derive, extraction is sorted from carding to spinning fibers, and manipulation of derivatives to perform works of insulation, are considered highly risky for the development of cancerous cells, damage mineral fibers are not immediate, but occur on average after three decades.

It is not yet known the mechanism by which the microscopic mineral fibers, capable of passively migrate from bronchioles to the alveoli to the pulmonary pleural space, and perpetrators of thickening, calcification and asbestosis, ignite the oncogenic process. They may act as inflammatory agents of mechanical, chemical, or as free silicic acid that has properties necrotizing, or more, can act as catalysts for reactions which develop carcinogens. (more…)

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. It affects different parts of the mesothelium, the membrane that covers and protects most internal organs of the body. Depending on the bodies covered and protected, the mesothelium has different names and forms of mesothelioma are named in relation to these different membranes.

For example, the mesothelial tissue, or membrane surrounding the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity called pleura. Cancer of the membrane is called pleural mesothelioma.

The heart is covered by the pericardium. Cancer of the membrane is called pericardial mesothelioma.

The membrane that surrounds most organs of the abdominal cavity is called the peritoneum hence cancer that membrane is called peritoneal mesothelioma.

Regardless of which bodies are covered by the mesothelium is composed of two layers of cells. The first layer surrounding each body closely. The second layer forms a sac around it. Between these two layers, the mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that allows organs to move easily. This lubrication allows the lungs to expand and contract without effort, while breathing. It also allows our heart to beat smoothly.

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