The widespread use of asbestos during and following World War II resulted in some very unfortunately widespread health issues. The primary problem has been cancer in a form known as Mesothelioma. The cancer takes a long time to manifest, but is usually terminal once it does. In this article, we take a look at the three most common forms of Mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma gets its odd name from a part of the body where the cancer arises - the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a lubricating layer of organic material found in the chest and abdomen. It insulates most of the organs and is lubricated, which allows the organs to move past each other while operating without causing damage. The three most common forms of Mesothelioma are all the same cancer, but are given their designation based on where they are found in the body. Let's take a closer look.
Pleural Mesothelioma is the version that is most common. Roughly 70 percent of all diagnosis will be this version. The name refers to cancer found in the mesothelium insulating the lungs, which are known as pleura. Since asbestos is primarily breathed into the body through the lungs, it is hardly surprising this is the primary discovery zone.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is less common, but perhaps even more troubling and deadly. The designation "cardial" should tell you everything you need to know. It refers to the heart. In this form, the disease attacks the mesothelium lining of the heart. Treatment includes removal of the lining, the diaphragm and other organic matter in the area.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the third version that is seen the most often with people exposed to asbestos. It refers to cancerous growths in the mesothelium lining in the abdomen. The cancer can be found anywhere from the stomach down to the groin area.
The thing to take away from the above designations is the ruthless nature of the disease. The mesothelium is found throughout the chest and abdomen area and that means Mesothelium can do so as well.
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