mesothelioma information & research on the cause of mesothelioma
Mesothelioma, or a tumor of the mesothelium, is most commonly caused by exposure to and ingestion or inhalation of asbestos particles. The mesothelium tissue is formed by mesothelial cells and lines the chest cavity, the abdominal cavity, and the cavity around the heart.
When a person has been exposed to asbestos dust, for example, at work in industry, construction, or shipyards, that person is at risk. The greater the exposure, the greater is the number of people developing Mesothelioma. Unfortunately, there are also cases where even single exposure has produced long-term consequences.
Once asbestos fibers are inhaled they journey to the pleura, a thin membrane which covers the lungs and lines the chest cavity, damaging the mesothelial cells and that may result in cancer. If ingested, the asbestos fibers are destined for the abdominal cavity where they play the same role in causing peritoneal mesothelioma. The peritoneum is the thin layer covering the abdominal cavity and organs. Pericardial mesothelioma, which starts in the cavity around the heart, is quite rare.
As the prime cause of Mesothelioma, it should be noted that exposure to asbestos can happen outside the workplace environment. The person working in those conditions of exposure to asbestos can contaminate the household via his/hers work clothes.
Sadly, approximately 6% of asbestos workers die of Mesothelioma after 15 years from the onset of exposure.
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