Malignant mesothelioma: a cancer that starts in cells in the linings of the chest or abdomen.

A layer of specialized cells called mesothelial cells forms a lining inside and outside of abdomen, chest and space around heart and this lining is called mesothelium. These cells make special lubricant fluid which is important for movement of organs inside the body.

Malignant mesothelioma:

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The mesothelioma is the thin lining on the surface of the body cavities and the organs that are contained within them. Most mesothelioma begin as one or more nodules that progressively grow to form a solid coating of tumor surrounding the lung, abdominal organs or heart.

Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the chest cavity and is associated with exposure to asbestos in up to 90% of cases. It has been shown that some asbestos fibers that are inhaled quickly work their way through the lung tissue and into the chest cavity.

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Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of this type of cancer called mesothelioma. Jobs that deals with or takes place in the vicinity of asbestos is always suspect. In a study conducted, it was found that up to 80% of all mesothelioma cancer patients had periods of prolonged exposure to asbestos at some point in their lives. Mesothelioma is also a exceedingly rare variety of cancer with merely about 4000 cases each year. There are 3 main types of mesothelioma cancer that vary according the region of the body that has been affected. They are recognized as Pericardial Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pleural Mesothelioma.

The cancer is named after the mesothelium, which is a protective membrane that covers various cavities. Peritoneal, Pleural and Peritoneal mesothelioma are all named after the particular cavities that this cancer affects.

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