Mesothelioma: Cancer caused by exposure to Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which is caused by excessive exposure to asbestos. While diagnosis of new cases of mesothelioma is quite high in the United States, Australia is said to have one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world. This article explores mesothelioma to help readers get a better understanding of this deadly type of cancer.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma refers to cancer of the mesothelium and as stated before is a form of cancer which is caused by exposure to asbestos. The mesothelium is a membrane which covers and protects a number of internal organs and is composed of two layers of cells. Cancer of the mesothelium or Mesothelioma occurs when cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and then continue to divide.

Which areas are commonly affected by Mesothelioma?

Most cases of mesothelioma are said to originate in the pleura (the membrane that surrounds the lungs and the chest cavity walls) or the peritoneum (the tissue which covers most of the organs within the abdominal cavity). Mesothelioma can invade and cause harm to nearby organs and tissue while cancer cells can also spread to other areas of the body.

Who is at risk of developing Mesothelioma?

Since Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, individuals who have been exposed to asbestos over a period of time may be at risk for developing the disease. Workers from a wide range of industries from milling to mining, manufacturing to consumer industries may face exposure to asbestos and thus be at risk of developing the mesothelioma cancer. During the course of work, individuals may unknowingly inhale or ingest tiny particles of asbestos which may cause problem in the workers health only years later. Mesothelioma has an extremely long latency period and thus individuals who were expose to asbestos particles even 40 years ago may still be at risk of developing mesothelioma. In some instances even family members of individuals working in asbestos related industries may be vulnerable to developing this deadly form of cancer.

Treatment of Mesothelioma

Of course a biopsy is essential for confirmation of the mesothelioma cancer being present, following which the treatment of the cancer will vary according to the individual’s condition and severity. Treatment for the deadly cancer Mesothelioma may take the form of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Though these treatments may not cure the cancer, certain treatments can help make the patient more comfortable or even help stunt the progression of the mesothelioma.