What is Mesothelium?
To understand Mesothelioma let us first understand what
Mesothelium is. The Mesothelium is a membrane that covers &
protects most of the internal organs of the body, the
Mesothelium is composed of two layers of cells, one layer
immediately surrounds the organ the other forms a sac like
covering around it. The Mesothelium membrane produces a
lubricating fluid that is released between these layers,
allowing moving organs such as the beating heart and lungs to
slide easily against adjacent structures.
The Mesothelium is called by different names, depending on where
it is located in the body. For e.g. the peritoneum is the
mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the
abdominal cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart.
The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines
the wall of the chest cavity. The mesothelial tissue surrounding
the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica
vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal
reproductive organs in women.
What is Mesothelioma?
Now the next question that arises is what is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma or the cancer of the mesothelium is a disease in
which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide
without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby
tissues and organs. Cancerous cells can also spread called
metastasizing from their original place to other parts of the
body. Most cases of Mesothelioma begin in the pleura or
peritoneum, i.e. the lining surrounding the chest and the lungs.
In malignant Mesothelioma, which is a rare form of cancer, the
cancerous or malignant cells are found in the sac lining the
chest (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (the
peritoneum) or the lining around the heart (the pericardium).
How do you get Mesothelioma?
The single largest cause of Mesothelioma is working with
asbestos; it is a major risk factor for Mesothelioma. A history
of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to
80 percent of all cases. However, there have been cases where
Mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any
known exposure to asbestos. Most people with malignant
Mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos.
Others have been exposed to asbestos in a household environment,
often without their knowledge.
What is Asbestos?
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. In addition to Mesothelioma,
exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer,
asbestosis (a non cancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other
cancers, such as those of the larynx and kidney.
The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier
exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. There is some
evidence that family members and others living with asbestos
workers have an increased risk of developing Mesothelioma, and
possibly other asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the
result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing
and hair of asbestos workers.
Articles and information on this site are not intended as medical advice or a diagnosis of any medical condition, including advice about the treatment of any medical condition. Do not substitute the information on this site for medical advice. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF YOU HAVE MEDICAL CONCERNS OR HEALTH QUESTIONS. Please review the terms of our Legal Notice.
More Health &
Wellness Related Products Here
|
