The Risk of Acquiring Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which is ratherwell.
rare and is caused by some malignant cells thatMesothelioma lung cancer can begin from the
are found in the body's protective layer known aslungs, or it can spread from other organs and
mesolithelium. The mesolithelium covers many ofaffect the lungs. The condition is relatively rare,
the body organs which are internally placed and itbut where it has been reported, it has been
is made up of two layers of cells. The inner layeramong people who work in factories that come
is in direct contact with the organ which it covers,into contact with asbestos, mostly in the USA.
while the other layer forms a sac-like coveringThis does not mean that the only people at risk
outside the organ. In between the two layers ofare those working with asbestos. It could affect
cells is a lubricating substance which allows foranyone, anywhere. It has also been reported that
movement of the organ without friction. Forit is more common among men than among
example, the substance allows for the beating ofwomen. As a person grows older, the risk factor
the heart and the expansion and contraction ofof contracting mesothelioma lung cancer increases
the lungs.as well. However, it can affect you at any age.
The mesolithelium acquires a different nameThe risk of acquiring mesothelioma lung cancer is
depending on the organ it covers. For example,aggravated if one works in an environment that
the covering for most of the organs that arehas asbestos and also smokes. Asbestos are
located in the abdominal cavity is known asminerals that are manufactured for use in a
peritoneum and pleura for the organs that arenumber of industries for various purposes. They
located within the chest cavity like the lungs. Theoccur as strong but flexible fibers that can be
covering layer or the mesothelium of the heart isseparated into small threads. The resulting
known as pericardium. Mesothelioma occurs as aproducts are used in the manufacture of cement,
result of attack of the mesothelium by unwantedbrake linings, textiles and insulation products. During
and cancerous particles like asbestos. Once thethe manufacturing process, it is very easy to
particles have attached themselves on theinhale the small particles. The risk is compounded
covering, the mesothelium becomes abnormal andin smokers because the lining of the lungs is
the cells start dividing uncontrollably. If thealready tampered with by smoke particles. As
condition is not detected well in advance, chancessuch, it is easy for the asbestos to find their way
are that neighboring organs will be affected asinto the lungs hence causing the cancer.