What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer affecting the abdominal cavity, chest cavity, and the region surrounding the heart. Due to its uncommon nature, mesothelioma is typically difficult to diagnose and treat. It has been connected with exposure to asbestos, a material formerly present in may work environments. Only about 3,000 individuals are diagnosed annually. Individuals with a history of extended asbestos exposure are at the highest risk for developing malignant mesothelioma. Even a small exposure to this cancer-causing material can result in malignant mesothelioma, However, mesothelioma has a latency of up to thirty to forty years, and many individuals previously exposed to asbestos are now displaying symptoms. This means the average age of the mesothelioma patients is between 50 and 70 years. Men, however, are typically affected more, due to the common presence of asbestos in industrial settings. There are three major types of malignant mesothelioma: epithelial, sarconatoid, and mixes
Mesothelioma is the most dangerous medical condition associated with asbestos exposure. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the overwhelming majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by previous asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the mesothelium, a tissue that lines major body cavities. Types of mesothelioma are classified based on the area of the body affected. As malignant cells grow and multiply in the mesothelium, fluid builds up, affecting normal body processes. Eventually, cancerous cells may metastasize, or move into other areas of the body.
• Mesothelioma and Asbestos • Asbestosis • At Risk Occupations • Asbestos Products • Asbestos Exposures in New York • Asbestos Exposures in New Jersey • Asbestos Exposures in Philadelphia • Mesothelioma Types and Symptoms • Your Rights and Our Mesothelioma Attorneys • Mesothelioma Litigation Information • Frequently Asked Mesothelioma Questions
Mesothelioma is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor found in the mesothelial cells of an organ. The organs where this form of cancer is most commonly found are the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. Pleural Mesothelioma is cancer of the lung lining and is the most common form of Mesothelioma.
