What is Mesothelioma? It is a simple question with a surprisingly complex answer. Let's take a look at some of the basic and key aspects of Mesothelioma that you need to know.
Where do we begin when discussing Mesothelioma? The first thing to understand is it is a very scary form of cancer. It is often described as a very aggressive and fast growing cancer, but this is incorrect. It is actually very slow growing, but is also one of the most deadly. How can these two statements be true? It boils down to diagnosis. The cancer is extremely hard to diagnose and may grow for 40 years or more without being noticed. When it is finally discovered, the Mesothelioma is often so far along that there is nothing that can be done to save the patient.
Ah, but what is it exactly? There is a lining found in the middle and upper body known as the mesothelium. This lining acts as a protective shield for the organs in the body. It consists of two layers with a lubricant between them. This allows organs to move without being damaged, to wit, the heart to beat, the lungs to inhale and exhale, the stomach to expand and so on. As the name suggest, Mesothelioma is a cancer of this lining. Since the lining is, well, everywhere, the cancer can spread throughout the middle and upper body without being seen.
There is no Mesothelioma cancer per se. Instead, it is a term used to refer to a subset of cancers that are defined by where they strike the body. Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancerous growth of the mesothelium surrounding the heart. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a cancerous growth in the mesothelium in the abdomen area. Pleural Mesothelioma is a cancerous growth of the lining in the upper chest around the lungs, and is the most common form of this cancer. There are also other very rare forms of the cancer that might strike areas like the groin. They are so rare, however, that we don't get into them here.
One can't mention Mesothelioma without discussing asbestos. Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of the cancer, so much so that a partial ban of asbestos has occurred in the united states and many other countries. Asbestos is a wonder material because it is very heat resistant and very hard to light on fire. Given this, it has been used wherever heat or fire was a concern. This includes everywhere from car brakes to boiler rooms in navy ships to insulation of water pipes bringing water to cities and towns as well as popcorn ceiling spray on your roof and tile ceilings in elementary schools. Most asbestos products are harmless. It is only when they are damaged and asbestos fibers get into the air and are breathed into the body that the risk of Mesothelioma goes through the roof.
What is Mesothelioma? It is a form of cancer that is very deadly and scary, one that is associated with exposure to asbestos.
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