| The mesothelium is a membrane that covers & | | | | working with asbestos; it is a major risk |
| protects most of the internal organs of the | | | | factor for Mesothelioma. A history of |
| body, the mesothelium is composed of two | | | | asbestos exposure at work is reported in |
| layers of cells, one layer immediately | | | | about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. |
| surrounds the organ the other forms a sac | | | | However, there have been cases where |
| like covering around it. The mesothelium | | | | Mesothelioma has been reported in some |
| membrane produces a lubricating fluid that is | | | | individuals without any known exposure to |
| released between these layers, allowing | | | | asbestos. Most people with malignant |
| moving organs such as the beating heart and | | | | Mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they |
| lungs to slide easily against adjacent | | | | breathed asbestos. Others have been exposed |
| structures.The mesothelium is called by | | | | to asbestos in a household environment, often |
| different names, depending on where it is | | | | without their knowledge.What is Asbestos? |
| located in the body. For e.g. the peritoneum | | | | |
| is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of | | | | Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals |
| the organs in the abdominal cavity. The | | | | that occur naturally as masses of strong, |
| pericardium covers and protects the heart. | | | | flexible fibers that can be separated into |
| The pleura is the membrane that surrounds the | | | | thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been |
| lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. | | | | widely used in many industrial products, |
| The mesothelial tissue surrounding the male | | | | including cement, brake linings, roof |
| internal reproductive organs is called the | | | | shingles, flooring products, textiles, and |
| tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa | | | | insulation. If tiny asbestos particles float |
| uteri covers the internal reproductive organs | | | | in the air, especially during the |
| in women.What is Mesothelioma? | | | | manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or |
| | | | swallowed, and can cause serious health |
| Now the next question that arises is what is | | | | problems. In addition to Mesothelioma, |
| Mesothelioma? Mesothelioma or the cancer of | | | | exposure to asbestos increases the risk of |
| the mesothelium is a disease in which cells | | | | lung cancer, asbestosis (a non cancerous, |
| of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide | | | | chronic lung ailment), and other cancers, |
| without control or order. They can invade and | | | | such as those of the larynx and kidney. |
| damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancerous | | | | |
| cells can also spread called metastasizing | | | | The risk of asbestos-related disease |
| from their original place to other parts of | | | | increases with heavier exposure to asbestos |
| the body. Most cases of Mesothelioma begin in | | | | and longer exposure time. There is some |
| the pleura or peritoneum, i.e. the lining | | | | evidence that family members and others |
| surrounding the chest and the lungs. | | | | living with asbestos workers have an |
| | | | increased risk of developing Mesothelioma, |
| In malignant Mesothelioma, which is a rare | | | | and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. |
| form of cancer, the cancerous or malignant | | | | This risk may be the result of exposure to |
| cells are found in the sac lining the chest | | | | asbestos dust brought home on the clothing |
| (the pleura), the lining of the abdominal | | | | and hair of asbestos workers.Rob Mellor owns |
| cavity (the peritoneum) or the lining around | | | | the free to use website helping people find |
| the heart (the pericardium).How do you get | | | | out more about mesothelioma. Please visit the |
| Mesothelioma? | | | | site for more information on mesothelioma |
| | | | symptoms. |
| The single largest cause of Mesothelioma is | | | | |