Understanding Mesothelioma: Get Tested

Despite the efforts of numerous health authorities around the world in trying to educate the public about the definition and effects of mesothelioma, it is unfortunate that there is still a large majority of the population that has no idea what the disease is. This article explains certain facts are spelled out, explaining everything from diagnosis to treatment. Mesothelioma is a killer, so keep this in mind before ignoring testing.

What is it?


To begin, Mesothelioma is sporadic cancer that consists of cancerous cells that originate and are located in the mesothelium, which is a protective sac designed to shelter the body’s internal organs. Numerous statistics have shown that a majority of people who suffer from mesothelioma have had contact with materials, like asbestos, while working or due to second-hand exposure. Mesothelioma is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order.

The known effect is that asbestos invades and damages adjacent tissues and organs. The cancerous cells may also spread from their original position to other parts of the body. And very often, mesothelioma begins in the chest or peritoneum.


The pleura is the membrane that normally surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. The peritoneum protects most abdominal cavity organs. In addition, the pericardium protects the heart, while the tissue shielding the male and female internal genitalia can also be affected. Know that surviving mesothelioma is possible if detected early.

Studies matter


While it has been reported, specifically, in the United States alone that the occurrence of this rare cancer has a rate of 2,000 cases in the last 20 years per year, there may have been more unreported cases that are undetected and, therefore, not recorded in official records. Typically, mesothelioma mainly affects males but this form of cancer also occurs when a person comes into direct contact with asbestos. There were also positive diagnoses of people who had no direct exposure to asbestos.

Where does it come from?


Before going any further, experts have to be clear on where asbestos comes from. Essentially, asbestos refers to a group of minerals that naturally occur as strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and tissue. Asbestos is commonly found in construction-related materials such as cement, roofing materials, floor coverings, etc.

Asbestos gets into the human system during the manufacturing process. There is no strict control over the process that generates asbestos particles from floating into the air and, thus, is possibly inhaled by individuals. You can learn more about it here.Important Mesothelioma Facts.

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