Mesothelioma Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer affecting the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a thin layer of cells that serves as a lubricating membrane between the heart, lungs, and abdominal cavity, allowing mobile organs like these to move freely without obstruction within the body. Among mesothelioma, there are essentially three recognized types.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common while affecting the lining the lungs and accounting for approximately 70% of all reported mesothelioma incidence. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdominal cavity and is less common. The least common type is pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the heart and accounts for less than 10% of all reported mesothelioma incidence. All types of mesothelioma are considered extremely aggressive, with conclusive diagnosis difficult in early stage disease.

Mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring and fibrous mineral that was used for many years in industrial insulation compounds. Asbestos use was extensive and many were exposed in industrial and other jobsites. Individual asbestos fibers are microscopic but extremely durable and resistant to chemical breakdown. Because of the small size of individual fibers, they are easily inhaled but unable to be expelled once lodged in the internal tissue and membrane lining of the lung and abdomen.

Over time, embedded asbestos fibers will cause inflammation of this tissue, developing into mesothelial plaques and potentially mesothelioma. While initially localized, mesothelioma spreads easily to the lung and abdominal cavity. Symptoms of mesothelioma will typically not manifest until the disease begins to affect respiratory or abdominal functions. At this point, the disease will have typically spread beyond its initial locale. Treatment for mesothelioma will depend on a number of factors, including, but no limited to, stage of disease at diagnosis, patient health, and patient age.

In most cases, mesothelioma will not develop in asbestos-exposed individuals for until decades after initial exposure, sometimes 30-50 years. Because of this latency period, it can sometimes be difficult to determine point of exposure or associate asbestos with mesothelioma. If you have been exposed to asbestos or diagnosed with mesothelioma, we urge you to complete the brief form on this page. We’ll rush you a complimentary information packet detailing treatment options, top doctors, and information about financial compensation for those who were wrongfully exposed to asbestos.

Last modified: February 15 2010.