Details of Mesothelioma Cancer
Most of the internal organs of the body is covered and protected by a layer of specialized cells or membrane called mesothelium. The mesothelium contains two layers of cells: One immediately surrounds the organ and the other forms a thick layer around the previous one. This membrane themselves produces and secretes a lubricating fluid between the two layers, which permits the organs to move smoothly against adjacent organs and structures (such as the expansion and contraction of lungs, beating of the heart etc...)
Depending on the location in the body, the mesothelium has different names. The mesothelial tissue which covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity is called peritoneum. The membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity is called pleura. The heart is covered and protected by tissue called Pericardium.
Mesothelioma or the cancer of the mesothelium is a disease in which mesothelium cells become abnormal and divide enormously and with out any order leading to the development of tumors. The tumors of the mesothelial cells can be benign (no cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Because most mesothelial tumors are cancerous, malignant mesothelioma is often simply referred to as mesothelioma. They can spread and damage nearby tissues and organs also. Thus the cancer cells can also metastasize from their parent site to other parts of the body.
Malignant mesothelioma affects the lining or membranes of certain large cavities in the body. These cavities, called the serous cavities, house certain major organs in the body including the heart, lungs, abdomen and others.
Malignant mesothelioma takes on three forms:
Peritoneal mesothelioma: in the peritoneum or membrane surrounding the abdomen.
Pericardial mesothelioma: in the Pericardium or lining surrounding the heart.
Pleural mesothelioma: is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma and affects the lining of the lung cavity.
Most cases of malignant mesothelioma are associated with a previous exposure to fibrous minerals, of which asbestos is the most important. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally as 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. Especially during the manufacturing process, these are easily inhaled or swallowed during the manufacturing process as asbestos dust are tiny particles which float in the air.
