According to the National Cancer Institute, Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that is "in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs." Most people with the cancer have had some sort of significant exposure to asbestos.
Patients can be without symptoms for upwards of twenty to fifty years. By the time a diagnosis is made, the cancer has already become too advanced. The triggers and mechanisms that cause this form of cancer have been recently uncovered and as a result new treatment modalities are being formed and currently tested.
There are approximately 3000 new mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the United States yearly, according to the National Health Institute. The disease seems to affect men more than women. The disease isn't sex specific, and the predominant male infection rate is directly linked to their greater numbers in the workforce thirty to 40 years ago.
The Unseen Danger
Asbestos, a silicate, was used mainly as an insulation material for buildings, tiles, in ships, for plumbing and factories in the early 20th century. It causes the majority of all Mesotheliomas.
The danger of asbestos lies in its removal. Small particles or fibers go into the air and get inhaled. The fibers can get lodged in the throat, trachea and bronchi. The thinner particles can reach the lung and chest cavity and once lodged, effect the mesothelial cells. These cells line the major organs and form the outer lining of the serous cavities of the body.
The asbestos starts causing minute cellular changes in the mesothelium that are followed by small cancer and tumor growth. In advanced stages it's thought that the cancer cells travel by the lymphatic system to other organ systems in the body. The most common site for mesothelioma is in the pleaural cavity and lungs. It can also occur in other areas such as the stomach and throat.
The chances of acquiring this disease is directly linked to the time and amount of asbestos exposure. In addition, smokers with asbestos exposure, double their risk for acquiring Mesothelioma versus nonsmokers.
SOURCE:
http://cancer-types.suite101.com/article.cfm/mesothelioma_an_update
Patients can be without symptoms for upwards of twenty to fifty years. By the time a diagnosis is made, the cancer has already become too advanced. The triggers and mechanisms that cause this form of cancer have been recently uncovered and as a result new treatment modalities are being formed and currently tested.
There are approximately 3000 new mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the United States yearly, according to the National Health Institute. The disease seems to affect men more than women. The disease isn't sex specific, and the predominant male infection rate is directly linked to their greater numbers in the workforce thirty to 40 years ago.
The Unseen Danger
Asbestos, a silicate, was used mainly as an insulation material for buildings, tiles, in ships, for plumbing and factories in the early 20th century. It causes the majority of all Mesotheliomas.
The danger of asbestos lies in its removal. Small particles or fibers go into the air and get inhaled. The fibers can get lodged in the throat, trachea and bronchi. The thinner particles can reach the lung and chest cavity and once lodged, effect the mesothelial cells. These cells line the major organs and form the outer lining of the serous cavities of the body.
The asbestos starts causing minute cellular changes in the mesothelium that are followed by small cancer and tumor growth. In advanced stages it's thought that the cancer cells travel by the lymphatic system to other organ systems in the body. The most common site for mesothelioma is in the pleaural cavity and lungs. It can also occur in other areas such as the stomach and throat.
The chances of acquiring this disease is directly linked to the time and amount of asbestos exposure. In addition, smokers with asbestos exposure, double their risk for acquiring Mesothelioma versus nonsmokers.
SOURCE:
http://cancer-types.suite101.com/article.cfm/mesothelioma_an_update
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