Cancer that affects the mesothelium, a lining that surrounds many areas of the body, including the pulmonary and cardiac organs, is known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma occurs when the cells in the mesothelium divide uncontrollably.
Types of Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma develops in the pulmonary (lungs) area, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal area, pericardial mesothelioma develops in the cardiac (heart) area, and testicular mesothelioma develops in the male genital area. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common, making up approximately 75% of the cases.
Causes of Pleural Mesothelioma
Asbestos is the major cause of pleural mesothelioma, and was utilized for many industrial and household applications over the last century and a half. The mineral was advantageous to use in manufacturing processes. In the early 20th century, it was discovered that it posed significant health risks to people who were exposed to asbestos. Employers as varied as industrial plants to the United States Navy were aware of these dangers, but did not inform their employees and did not keep them from being exposed to the minerals. In the late 1980s, asbestos was banned in the U.S., barring a few highly regulated applications.
Latency Period
When someone is exposed to asbestos, fibers become embedded in the body. They aggravate the cells and result in cancerous growths. Someone who has undergone exposure may live for several decades without developing any symptoms. The latency period of mesothelioma can be anywhere from 20 to 50 years.
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