Mesothelioma.

What is Mesothelioma. Most of the organs of the body and the body cavities have a protective membrane that covers them. This membrane is called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium. It is also referred to as asbestos cancer, for reasons explained in causes risk factors of mesothelioma.

There are two layers of mesothelium. One layer immediately covers the organs while the other layer forms a protective sac around. Between the two layers is a fluid which acts as a lubricant and allows the movements of the organs. Examples of mesothelium are the pericardium of the heart, pleura of the lungs and the peritoneum of the abdomen.

Types of Mesothelioma.

• Malignant Mesothelioma affecting the pericardium around the heart. The pericardial fluid inside the pericardium allows for expansion and contraction of the heart. Cancer of the pericardium is called pericardial mesothelioma. This accounts for 5% of cancer mesothelioma cases.
• Malignant mesothelioma affecting the pleura with the pleural fluid inside, which allows for expansion and contraction of the lungs. Cancer of the pleura is called pleural mesothelioma or lung mesothelioma. This is more common and accounts for 75% of cancer mesothelioma cases.
• Rarely, mesothelioma can metastasize to the testes, in which case it is called testicular mesothelioma.

Image showing pleural or lung mesothelioma.

 The abdominal cavity is lined by the peritoneal sac with the peritoneal fluid  inside. Cancer of the peritoneum is called peritoneal mesothelioma. This accounts for 20% of cancer mesothelioma cases.

Image showing peritoneal mesothelioma.

• Mesothelioma can also be benign in which case it is referred to as benign mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Statistics.

As compared to other cancers, as explained in cancer statistics, occurrence of mesothelioma is rare.

• In the U.S. about 2000 to 3000 cases of mesothelioma are reported each year.
• Mesothelioma is more common in men and the ratio of mesothelioma of men to women is 3 : 1.
• Mesothelioma is an occupational hazard due to exposure to asbestos. The period from initial exposure to asbestos to death from mesothelioma is 30 to 40 years.
• Asbestos workers are at a 10% risk of getting mesothelioma in their lifetime.
• Smoking does not increase risk to mesothelioma.
• Just an exposure of one to two months is enough to make you a high risk factor of mesothelioma, which may manifest 30 to 60 years later.
• Mesothelioma life expectancy. Once diagnosed, the patient has about 12 to 18 months to live. Diagnosis is often late when the disease has fairly progressed.
• Occupations and professions more at mesothelioma risk. Stats show that most frequently, carpenters, joiners, plumbers, heating and ventilating engineers, electricians, boiler makers and ship builders are the most affected.
• Mesothelioma, as compared with other cancers is rare.

Related posts:

1. Mesothelioma Prognosis.
2. Mesothelioma Attorneys.
3. Symptoms of Mesothelioma.
4. Causes and Risk Factors of Mesothelioma.
5. How is Mesothelioma Diagnosed.
6. Stages of Mesothelioma.
7. Mesothelioma Treatments.