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Information About Cancerous Mesothelioma Asbestos Related Disease And Its Sources

25th February, 2011 - Posted by health news - No Comments

Malignant mesothelioma is definitely an uncommon, but no more rare, cancer that is difficult to detect and poorly responsive to treatment. Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases and mesothelioma prognosis isn’t good.

A layer of specific cells called mesothelial cells lines the chest area cavity, stomach cavity, and also the cavity around the heart. These types of cells also include the external surface on most internal organs. The tissue formed by these types of cells is known as mesothelium. The mesothelium helps shield the bodily organs by creating a special lubricating fluid which allows internal organs to maneuver. For instance, this fluid makes it easier for the lungs to maneuver within the chest during breathing.

The mesothelium of the chest is known as the pleura and also the mesothelium of the abdomen is called the peritoneum. The mesothelium of the pericardial cavity (the “sac-like” space around the heart) is known as the pericardium Tumors of the mesothelium could be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A malignant tumor of the mesothelium is known as malignant mesothelioma. Since most mesothelial tumors are cancerous, malignant mesothelioma is often called mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma was acknowledged as a tumor of the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium within the late 1700’s. However it wasn’t until later, in 1960, that this particular type of tumor was defined in more detail and much more significantly, its connection with asbestos exposure was recognized.

The first record linking mesothelioma to asbestos exposure was compiled by J.C.Wagner, and described 32 cases of workers within the “Asbestos Hills” in South Africa. After that the connection between mesothelioma and asbestos exposure is validated in studies around the world.

The occurrence of mesothelioma in the United States remains very low, with 14 cases occurring per million people per year. Despite these numbers the noticed threefold rise in pleural mesothelioma in males between 1970 and 1984, is specifically related to environmental and occupational contact with asbestos, mostly in areas of asbestos products plants and shipbuilding companies.

Even though disease is a lot more typically observed in 60-year old plus males, it’s been documented in women and early adolecence as well.