MesotheliomaNotice: This website is intended to provide general information about the form of cancer known as "mesothelioma", as well as some of its known causes. This website does not claim to be complete in its discussion of the diagnosis, treatment and causes of mesothelioma. Since mesothelioma has been linked to, among other things, work related exposure to asbestos, issues of legal liability may be present in certain circumstances. The content of this web site has not been prepared or endorsed by any physicians or other licensed medical professionals. Nothing on this site should be taken as medical or legal advice. The purpose of this site is simply to provide patients and their families with useful information and access to other resources, which may be helpful. Patients are encouraged to consult with their physician for medical advice and with an attorney for legal advice. If you think that you have any of the symptoms related to mesothelioma you should contact a doctor immediately. If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, or believe that you were exposed to asbestos while on the job, please click here to contact an attorney. This is a free service sponsored by the Law Offices of Patrick K.B. Tracy and there is no charge or obligation for a free case review. A lawyer will review your case at no charge. If you have further questions regarding mesothelioma, please feel free to brows our site and Mesothelioma resources.
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!
