What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial cells, covering the outer area of almost all of the body's internal organs. The lining that is formed around the lungs is usually called the mesothelium. This is how the cancer got its name. Mesothelioma cancer commonly develops in the tissue that covers the lungs, heart, and abdomen.
The most common place to find Mesothelioma cancer is in the pleura. The pleura is the tissue lining found on the lungs. There are actually two of these protective coverings, one for each lung - together they are called the pleural membranes. The job of these fibrous sheets is to protect the lungs by producing a fluid that lubricates and fills the gap in the pleural space, which helps the lungs to be able to move more smoothly when they inflate and deflate.
Mesothelioma is most commonly diagnosed in the pleura and it is called pleural mesothelioma. Because the pleural mesothelioma is so close to the heart, it can affect the tissue covering the heart, which is called the pericardium. This protective, smooth sac surrounds and protects the heart, doing the same job as the pleural does for the lungs. When the heart area is affected, it develops into pericardium mesothelioma.
The peritoneum is the tissue that lines the abdomen and helps to protect it by producing a fluid, which lubricates the abdomen and lets the organs move more smoothly. It is common for mesothelioma to spread to other body parts but generally, there are no noticeable symptoms.
There is also a benign form of Mesothelioma. It forms in the lining of the lungs or the lining of the reproductive organs, occurring in both men and women. It is actually very rare with most cases of Mesothelioma being cancerous.
Mesothelioma is a fatal disease. There is no cure, only treatments that help reduce the severe pain and extend life. Mesothelioma takes 10 to 50 years to develop which is why even though today asbestos is handled much differently, we have yet to reach the peak in number of mesothelioma cases. It is hopeful the future will see these asbestos related diseases completely irradiated.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial cells, covering the outer area of almost all of the body's internal organs. The lining that is formed around the lungs is usually called the mesothelium. This is how the cancer got its name. Mesothelioma cancer commonly develops in the tissue that covers the lungs, heart, and abdomen.
The most common place to find Mesothelioma cancer is in the pleura. The pleura is the tissue lining found on the lungs. There are actually two of these protective coverings, one for each lung - together they are called the pleural membranes. The job of these fibrous sheets is to protect the lungs by producing a fluid that lubricates and fills the gap in the pleural space, which helps the lungs to be able to move more smoothly when they inflate and deflate.
Mesothelioma is most commonly diagnosed in the pleura and it is called pleural mesothelioma. Because the pleural mesothelioma is so close to the heart, it can affect the tissue covering the heart, which is called the pericardium. This protective, smooth sac surrounds and protects the heart, doing the same job as the pleural does for the lungs. When the heart area is affected, it develops into pericardium mesothelioma.
The peritoneum is the tissue that lines the abdomen and helps to protect it by producing a fluid, which lubricates the abdomen and lets the organs move more smoothly. It is common for mesothelioma to spread to other body parts but generally, there are no noticeable symptoms.
There is also a benign form of Mesothelioma. It forms in the lining of the lungs or the lining of the reproductive organs, occurring in both men and women. It is actually very rare with most cases of Mesothelioma being cancerous.
Mesothelioma is a fatal disease. There is no cure, only treatments that help reduce the severe pain and extend life. Mesothelioma takes 10 to 50 years to develop which is why even though today asbestos is handled much differently, we have yet to reach the peak in number of mesothelioma cases. It is hopeful the future will see these asbestos related diseases completely irradiated.
Free Information
Symptoms of Mesothelioma:
Y
N
Lung Cancer:
Y
N
Fluid in the Lungs/ Pleural Effusion:
Y
N
