What is Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma(the cancer of mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles(asbestos crystal fibers), or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos, other reasons are inhalation of similar fibers that can damage your mesothelium, exposure to irradiation. Mesothelioma has nothing to do with smoking , but exposure to asbestos in combination with smoking can increase the risk of lung cancer.

More than 90% of Mesothelioma Disease is Caused by Exposure to Asbestos

Asbestos is a group of minerals that consist of little thin crystal fibers(something like glass fibers). Asbestos is very good for isolation and similar use because of its ability to withstand heat, electricity and chemical damage, sound absorption and tensile strength. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, including mesothelioma and asbestosis. The small razor like fibers can devastate your internal organs as well as damage your skin.

The cancer of mesothelium (Mesothelioma) is in more than 90% cases caused by exposure to asbestos.

What is Mesothelium

The mesothelium is a membrane that forms the lining of several body cavities. Mesothelial tissue also surrounds both male and female internal reproductive organs. That part of mesothelium is called visceral mesothelium. The mesothelial part that covers the internal body walls is called parietal mesothelium. The mesothelium is composed of specialized cells (mesothelial cells) . The main purpose of these cells is to produce a lubricating fluid that is released between layers, providing a slippery, non-adhesive and protective surface to organs which rub on each other during their movement(intracoelomic movement).

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. A history of exposure to asbestos, which causes pleural thickening, may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A physical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray, lung function tests, A CT(or CAT) scan or an MRI.

In severe cases patient may have blood clots in the veins, disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs, yellowing of the eyes and skin, low blood sugar level, pleural effusion ..