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Mesothelioma
is a form
of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the
mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal
organs. The mesothelium is the thin lining on the surface of the body
cavities and the organs that are contained within them. Most
mesotheliomas begin as one or more nodules that progressively grow to
form a solid coating of tumor surrounding the lung, abdominal organs,
or heart.
There are four different
types of
mesothelioma exist. Pleural
mesothelioma is the most common form of the cancer and develops in the
lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. Peritoneal mesothelioma
affects the lining of the abdomen, known as the peritoneum. Pericardial
mesothelioma is very rare, as approximately 200 cases have been
reported internationally. Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the
pericardium, the membrane that surrounds the heart and protects the
organ. Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma and
develops in the lining surrounding the testicles, known as the tunica
vaginalis.
Most people
who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they
exposure to asbestos (up to 90% of cases). Asbestos is the name of a
group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible
fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has
been widely used in many industrial products, including cement, brake
linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. If
tiny asbestos particles float in the air, especially during the
manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed, and can cause
serious health problems.
It has also been suggested that washing the clothes of a family member
who worked with asbestos can put a person at risk for developing
mesothelioma.
The truly
horrific thing about Mesothelioma is the fact it takes a long
time to appear. Mesothelioma may lay dormant for many years; it could
be as long as 50 years before it exposes itself. It has shown to be
more common in men than women.
Even when it begins to show symptoms, it is very difficult to diagnose
because it shares many symptoms common to aging and other health
issues.
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