The mesothelium that covers the internal organs is called visceral mesothelium, while the coating on the body wall is called the parietal mesothelium.

The mesotelium tissue also surrounds the male internal reproductive organs and covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the mesothelium, in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide uncontrollably. They can invade and damage tissues and organs. Most cases of mesothelioma arises from the thoracic cavity (pleura) or the abdominal cavity (peritoneum)

Approximately 2000-3000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States, covering about 3 percent of all cancer diagnosis. This cancer occurs four times more common in men than in women. Any form of mesothelioma is fatal, with the exception of benign mesothelioma. The prognosis for mesothelioma is almost always poor and most studies report a median survival of less than a year, but the outlook really depends on how early the diagnosis is made and if it aggressively.

Mesothelioma Causes

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous substance widely used in the twentieth century in a number of different industries. Popular because of its durability, fire resistance and insulating properties, asbestos was used regularly in the manufacture of thousands of products, so far in giving warnings of the dangers in the mid-1970s. It is estimated that approximately 80-90 percent of mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure.

The exact way as asbestos causes mesothelioma is not well understood, but doctors and researchers have presented many theories. What is clear is that any exposure to asbestos can be dangerous and may result in the development of asbestos-related diseases later in life.

Mesothelioma Types

There are five types of mesothelioma. Four of them are malignant cancers, and a condition is benign.

Pleural Mesothelioma: This type of mesothelioma develops in the tissue of the lungs, known as the pleura. It is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma, about 70 percent of cases are pleural in origin.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma develops in the tissue of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneal membrane. Approximately 25% of mesotheliomas are of this type.

Pericardial mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma develops in the heart tissue, known as the pericardium. About 5 percent of all mesothelioma cases are pericardial.

Testicular Mesothelioma: This is the rarest type of malignant mesothelioma, to date, there have been fewer than 100 cases recorded. Testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis of the testes.

Benign Mesothelioma: The benign form of mesothelioma often develops in the pleura. This is the only form of mesothelioma which healing and recovery is a likely outcome, although it may be a precursor of asbestos-related problems in the future.

Mesothelioma is an aggressive malignancy and rarely linked primarily to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, if inhaled or ingested, enters the body where tumors can form in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen.

There are three main types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form, affects the lining of the lungs. Cancer of the lining of the abdomen is called the peritoneum and pericardium of the heart is. Malignant mesothelioma may be localized or diffuse. The first sign of pleural mesothelioma is usually the presence of plaques that start in the chest. Tumors May then spread to other parts of the body.

Mesothelioma is most common among men. Two thirds of cases are diagnosed before the later stages of life because it can take decades for symptoms to develop from the time of initial exposure.

The three main histological types of mesothelioma are epithelial, sarcomatous, or mixed. Tumors affecting the epithelial lining of internal body cavities. Different types of epithelial cells are identified by their shape and number of layers. Sarcomatous tumors start in the muscles or connective tissues and are much more aggressive.

Exposure to asbestos is the major cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used in the construction of numerous industrial and packaging materials. Most exposure to asbestos occurs professionally, but may occur through environmental contamination as well.

Millions of people in the United States have been exposed to asbestos through their work. The repair of construction equipment, railroad, and ship and marine and auto mechanics are occupations that are most at risk. Secondhand exposure can also occur in family members when they come into contact with clothing contaminated with asbestos or skin of workers.

Approximately 2500 – 3000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed annually in the United States alone. Risk of developing the disease is slightly higher for those living in contaminated areas, as part of large asbestos mines.

Much research and progress has been made, but to date no cure exists for mesothelioma. Without treatment the prognosis at diagnosis is only a few months, but treatment can be as long as five years. Longer survival times were associated with types of epithelial versus sarcomatous or mixed mesothelioma.

Early and accurate diagnosis of the disease is very exciting. Anyone with suspected or known history of asbestos that is experiencing health problems should consult their doctor immediately. If already diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is essential to find an oncologist or a pulmonary specialist in occupational medicine that you can build a trust relationship at home.

The cost of treating mesothelioma is high. Legally, you may be entitled to receive monetary compensation. Employers should be protected against exposure and manufacturers have placed warning labels, therefore, an experienced mesothelioma lawyer can help you obtain financial recovery for the costs of medical treatment and lost wages.

Early diagnosis of mesothelioma can make all the difference. Do not hesitate to consult a specialist mesothelioma if you know or suspect you may have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing similar symptoms.