Essential Facts About Mesothelioma
The word "mesothelioma" may strike some individuals as a bit intimidating—and for a good reason! The word comes from mixed Greek and Latin roots, and literally means "tumor of the inner lining". Often heard on the commercials of lawyers searching for workplace injury clients after exposure to asbestos, this disease has become a sort of house hold name. Because this disease attacks the lining that connects the internal organs to the body's larger structure, locating the cancer can be troublesome. Continue reading to learn more about this deadly disease, of which there are many varieties and symptoms.
Mesothelioma Affects Different Body Parts
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. It develops in the cells of the mesothelium, which is the protective membrane surrounding many of the body's internal organs, including the lungs, digestive system, heart, and reproductive system. The mesothelium's main function is to hold the internal organs in place, while also providing them with a lubricated surface to move against. The mesothelium also serves the secondary function of transporting fluids and nutrients across body cavities. Mesothelioma can affect any of the areas where the mesothelium is present. However, the most common is pleural mesothelioma—mesothelioma of the lung, which represents seventy-five percent of all mesothelioma cases.
Continue reading to find out what causes this deadly disease.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
The primary risk factor for contracting mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals, made up of tiny fibers. The fibers are released into the air when the mineral is disrupted, and inhaling these fibers causes a variety of serious illnesses. Asbestos has been known since ancient times, but it was not widely mined until World War II. The advent of this war caused a huge spike in the number of mesothelioma cases, and it was eventually discovered by scientists that asbestos is incredibly harmful to the human body.
The majority of people who contract mesothelioma have worked in mining or similar fields, where there is a great risk of asbestos exposure. In fact, up to seventy-five percent of mesothelioma is caused by work-related asbestos exposure. Having family members who are exposed to asbestos at work is also a risk factor for mesothelioma, because the asbestos fibers may be carried into the house on the family member's body or clothing.
Next, discover how this form of cancer develops in relation to asbestos exposure.
