What is mesothelioma?
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that starts in the mesothelium, the membrane that covers and protects most internal organs of the body. The mesothelium is composed of two layers, one surrounding the body itself and the other forms a sac around it epithelium. Usually produces a small amount of fluid between these two layers, which lubricates the movement of the organs protected. When normal cells of the mesothelium lose control and fall rapidly, appears mesothelioma.
The most common form of mesothelioma is mesothelioma pleural which occurs in the lining of the lungs. Other forms are “peritoneal” mesothelioma, affecting the epithelium of the abdominal cavity and mesothelioma “pericardial” which affects the lining of the heart.
What causes mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos fiber. Many people were exposed in the army, others in their work and other indirectly through contact with exposed workers. Due to the latency of cancer, may slow to appear until 20-50 years or more after exposure.
According to information from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland, the incidence of mesothelioma in Western Europe is projected to reach its peak between 2010 and 2020. Here are the statistics on the occurrence of this disease, by country.
Tags: Malignant mesothelioma, Mesothelioma, mesothelioma pleural
