What is Mesothelioma?
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Mesothelioma - What is it?
Mesothlioma is a rare form of Cancer
In simplest terms, Mesothelioma is a Cancer of Mesothelium. The Mesothelium acts as a protective layer and a sheath covering most of the body's internal organs. Most commonly this life threatening disease attacks the lining of the lungs or the abdomen. When the Cancer is located on the lung lining it is called Pleural Mesothelioma, if it is located in the abdominal lining it is referred to as Peritoneal Mesothelioma.
We have more information on the Symptoms of Mesothelioma, the Treatment of Mesothelioma, and Legal Issues surrounding this disease.
How does someone contract Mesothelioma?
The most common link amongst people diagnosed with Mesothelioma is that they worked in situations where they inhaled Asbestos, either by inhaling particles, dust or fibers. A common question raised is whether or not you can get the disease by Smoking Cigarettes.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma commonly attacks an area of the body referred to as the Pleura. The Pleura is the lining between the outer surface of the lungs and the internal chest cavity. This type of Mesothelioma Cancer is referred to as Pleural Mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
It may also occur in the peritoneum (which lines the abdominal cavity, called Abdominal Mesothelioma or sometimes Peritoneal Mesothelioma), the pericardium (a membrane sac that surrounds the heart), or in some cases the tunica vaginalis (a serous membrane that surrounds the testis).
Smoking Cigarettes and Mesothelioma
It is a popular myth that smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products causes Mesothelioma, this is patently false. Smoking does however complicated an often accelerate the devastating effects of Mesothelioma. It also increases the risk of getting Mesothelioma from Asbestos exposure. If you have ever been exposed to Asbestos consider this as one more good reason to stop smoking.