Important Facts Concerning Mesothelioma - The Asbestos Cancer

Facts concerning Mesothelioma are very clear. It may be that all of the litigation surrounding the issue in the last twenty years has lent itself to a lot of confusion. So let us consider the facts. This form of cancer is rare. It is caused by malignant cells which are found in the mesothelium. Working on jobs where asbestos particles are inhaled is considered to be the main cause of Mesothelioma.

Asbestos is the name for a group of minerals

Asbestos is the name for a group of minerals which naturally occur in nature. The tough, flexible fibers can be woven into a variety of materials typically used in industrial products. Serious health problems can be caused when small particles of the material become airborne and are inhaled or swallowed. 

Exposure to asbestos can cause other health concerns such as increased risk for lung cancer, asbestosis (non-cancerous lung ailment), and larynx and kidney cancers. Smoking doesn't appear to increase the risk of contracting Mesothelioma. There is a significant increase in risk of contracting cancer of the air passageways in the lungs, for those who are exposed to asbestos and who smoke in combination, however.

The mesothelium is the protective sac

The mesothelium is the protective sac that covers the majority of the body's internal organs. It has two cellular layers: one layer surrounds the organ immediately; the other forms a sac around the organ. This is where lubricating fluid is released allowing the organ to easily glide against adjacent structures. 

Mesothelioma is the cancer of the mesothelium. It occurs when the cells of the mesothelium divide abnormally in an uncontrolled manner. If the cancer cells metastasize from the original site, the invasion can spread to nearby organs and tissues. Most cases initiate in the pleura which surrounds the lungs and lines the chest cavity.

There has been an increase in the number of cases reported

There has been an increase in the number of cases reported in the last twenty years. Yet Mesothelioma is rare relatively speaking. There are around 2,000 cases reported every year in the United States. It occurs less frequently in women than men and the risks increase as you age. This disease can however, appear in both men and women at any age. The major risk factor that contributes to Mesothelioma is working with asbestos. 

This is the case in seventy to eighty percent of the cases reported. Some individuals have reported having the disease who has never known to be exposed to asbestos.