What is Malignant Mesothelioma?The National Cancer Institute defines malignant mesothelioma as "as a rare form of cancer in which cancer cells are found in the sac lining the chest, the lining of the abdominal cavity or the lining around the heart." The medical names for these areas are the pleura, the peritoneum and the pericardium respectively and the lining around these organs is called the "mesothelium".
Malignant Peural mesothelioma therefore, is cancer which is found in the lining of the chest. Malignant Pleural mesothelioma. If Mesothelioma is found in the abdominal cavity it is known as peritoneum mesothelioma. Mesothelioma which is found in the lining of the heart is known as pericardium mesothelioma.
When mesothelioma cancer spreads, the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal. These malignant cells begin to divide and spread without order and can begin to affect organs and tissues in the immediate area. This often leads to complications in the surrounding organs.
MesotheliumThe membrane that surrounds and protects most of the body's internal organs is known as the mesothelium. It is made up of two separate layers of cells. The first is that closest to the organ itself. The second layer is what actually forms the sac around the organ. This membrane is responsible for producing a special lubricating fluid. It is this fluid that allows the organ to move around in the body un-hurt. As noted, the mesothelium has different names depending on which organ it surrounds. The peritoneum is found in the abdominal cavity and the pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity.
The National Cancer Institute states that "[m]ost people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles."
>> Mesothelioma Risk FactorsAsbestos exposure also is the cause of asbestosis, a chronic lung ailment that can produce shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage.
If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma as a result of Asbestos exposure, YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO MONETARY COMPENSATION!
