Malignant Mesothelioma is a disease in which lies malignant (cancer) cells in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers most organs in the body was found.
Mesothelioma most often affects the pleura (the thin tissue layer that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs) or peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most organs in the abdominal cavity). This article describes malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Working with asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma. A history of asbestos exposure in the workplace is reported in about 70 to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos.
There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers at increased risk of developing mesothelioma, asbestos disease and other related possibilities. This risk can put the result of exposure to asbestos dust home on their clothing and hair of asbestos workers. To reduce the chance of exposing family members to asbestos fibers, asbestos workers are usually required to shower and change their clothing before leaving the workplace.
Smoking did not appear to increase the risk of mesothelioma. But the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure increases a person's risk of lung cancer (see the causes of lung cancer).
When exposed to asbestos can affect the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. Many people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they are inhaled or swallowed asbestos. Once exposed to asbestos, it takes a long time to happen most of malignant mesothelioma.
Other risk factors for malignant mesothelioma include:
Living with someone who works near asbestos.
Because exposure to certain viruses.
Mesothelioma is a (cancer) benign (not cancerous) or malignant tumors mesothelium, which is a type of protective sac that covers the internal organs. Most cases begin in the pleura (the lining around the lungs) or peritoneum (abdominal lining).
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a type of mesothelioma begin in the cancer cells grow in the pleura. Most people who develop this condition on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles work.
