What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer named for the mesothelium lining surrounding the lungs, the stomach, or the heart where it is found. The most common form of Mesothelioma is called “pleural mesothelioma.” Pleural Mesothelioma occurs when the cancer is found in the pleura, the mesothelial tissue surrounding the lungs and lining of the chest cavity.
Pericardium is the lining that covers and protects the heart, and peritoneum lining covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. If mesothelioma is found in either of these areas of the body, it is called “pericardial mesothelioma” or “peritoneal Mesothelioma.”
Mesothelioma, like other forms of cancer, occurs when cells become abnormal and grow out of control or divide. In mesothelioma patients, the lubricating fluid in the lining may be over-produced. This excess fluid creates a rind type of layer of thick tumor tissue and puts pressure on the organs it surrounds. Patients with pleural Mesothelioma often experience shortness of breath and a buildup of fluid in the chest area. As Mesothelioma advances, the cancer cells metastasize, growing and invading other organs and spreading to other areas of the body.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of Mesothelioma cancer.
There is often a latency period of 10 to 60 years after asbestos exposure before the symptoms of Mesothelioma develop. Because of this long latency period, the disease commonly affects men and women that are at least 50 years of age who worked with asbestos between 10 and 60 years ago.
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There are many known cases of people developing Mesothelioma at an earlier age. These cases are often the sons and daughters who were exposed as children to asbestos dust brought home on their parents clothing or who did home remodeling using products, such as insulation, that contained asbestos. Some cases show the child was exposed to asbestos from being around the parent as they changed the brakes in the family car, as these brakes were often lined with asbestos.
10 to 60 years ago workers were not advised or required to wear any type of protection in the workplace while they were exposed to asbestos despite the companies employing the workers having full knowledge that asbestos was dangerous and that asbestos exposure would harm the health of many of the workers.
An early diagnosis is important for effective treatment of Mesothelioma. If you are worried that you may have mesothelioma and that you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, you should inform your doctor of this fact.
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