What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium. This causes the cells of the mesothelium to divide uncontrollably so that they damage the nearby structures like heart, lungs and abdominal contents.
These cells can travel to different parts of the body and start growing there (called metastasis)
What is Mesothelium?
Mesothelium is a membrane that covers and protects the internal organs of the body. It is found in 2 layers – one layer covers the organ and the other forms a sac around the organ. The function of the mesothelium is to secrete a lubricating fluid to help in the movement of these organs.
Mesothelium is called by different names in different parts of the body. In the tummy or abdomen, it is called peritoneum. In the chest, it is called pleura and the mesothelium covering the heart is called pericardium.
Causes of Mesothelioma
Asbestos exposure is by far the leading cause of malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer found in the sac lining the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum) and pericardim (sac lining the heart).
Mesothelioma is caused by inhalation of asbestos particles. This can be at work or while renovating houses or while washing clothes of workers who worked with asbestos.
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