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.
Mesothelium
The 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 most people who develop mesothelioma
have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.
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