Information About Malignant Mesothelioma
Malignant mesothelioma is a form of asbestos cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue surrounding an internal organ of the body. A layer of specialized cells called mesothelial cells lines the chest cavity, abdominal cavity and the cavity around the heart. These cells also cover the outer surface of most internal organs. The tissue formed by these cells is called mesothelium. Cancer is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure.
The mesothelium helps protect the organs by producing a special lubricating fluid that allows organs to move. For example, this fluid, it is easier for the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. The mesothelium of the chest is called the pleura and the mesothelium of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. The mesothelium of the pericardial cavity around the heart is called pericardium.
Tumors of the mesothelium can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A malignant tumor of the mesothelium is called mesothelioma. Because most mesothelial tumors are cancerous, malignant mesothelioma is often simply called mesothelioma.
The mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects most internal organs of the body. It is composed of two layers of cells: One layer immediately surrounds the organ; the other forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the beating heart and the expanding and contracting lungs) to glide easily against adjacent structures.
The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. The peritoneum is the mesothelial tissue that covers most organs in the abdominal cavity. The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The pericardium covers and protects the heart. The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male internal reproductive organs is called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women
There are three types of mesothelioma.
• peritoneal mesothelioma in the peritoneum or membrane surrounding the abdomen. A rare form of peritoneal mesothelioma can also affect the testes of men, because the lining around the scrotum is an extension of the peritoneum.
• Pericardial mesothelioma, in the perdicardium or lining surrounding the heart.
• pleural mesothelioma, which is the most common form of mesothelioma affects the lining of the lung cavity.
All mesotheliomas are now considered malignant or cancerous. They begin as a localized tumor and the rapid spread to include most of the surrounding tissues and organs. The original fibrous cysts and other non-cancerous tumors that appeared in the serous membranes were considered mesothelioma and were described as “benign fibrous mesothelioma” and “multicystic mesothelioma.” These conditions are now known to do not derived from mesothelial cells, other cells in the serous membranes. These conditions are generally localized, non-cancerous and do not spread quickly.
Although malignant mesothelioma is rare, it is a serious illness and death. It is often in advanced stages when it is detected, then the prognosis for mesothelioma patients is not as good as for patients with cancers that are detected earlier. The mean survival time after detection is 1 to 2 years. This time, survival also depends on the type of mesothelioma.
Written on January 9th, 2012 with
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