Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by the continued exposure to asbestos, and therefore, is most commonly found in people who have previous spent many hours working on a job where there was exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. This form of cancer occurs when malignant cells develop in the protective lining that covers the internal organs of the body, also known as the mesothelium. There are four different categories and many stages based on where the area is that is affected by the cancer and how far it has progressed. Should the cancer be in the tissue that surrounds the lungs, or pleura, this is call pleural mesothelioma, and is actually the most common form. If the mesothelioma is in the surrounding tissue of the abdomen, or peritoneum, then the cancer is referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma, and is what accounts for 10-20 percent of all mesotheliomas. Although, there are rare cases where the lining around the heart, or pericardium, is affected, and even the lining around the testicles, or tunica vaginalis.
A mesothelioma biopsy is usually done to determine if a person has been affected. Once diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, it is imperative to seek treatment. Should the course of treatment not have the desired result, and something more needs to be done, click here to find out more about the available options.
