The mesothelium has different names in different parts of the body as follow:
- in the chest it’s called the pleura
- in the abdomen it’s called the peritoneum
- the membrane surrounding the heart is called the pericardium.
A cancer of the mesothelium is called a malignant mesothelioma. However, it’s usually referred to simply as mesothelioma. There are other tumours of the mesothelium, such as adenomatoid tumours, benign cystic mesotheliomas and solitary fibrous tumours of the pleura.
Pleural mesothelioma
The pleura is the outer lining of the lung. It has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the lung, and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the chest wall. The two layers of the pleura are usually in contact and slide over each other as we breathe. The layers produce fluid, which allows them to move smoothly over each other.
When mesothelioma develops in the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), the delicate linings thicken and may press inwards on the lung. Fluid may also collect between the two layers of the pleura: this is known as a pleural effusion. Around 3 out of 4 of cases of mesothelioma develop in the pleura.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
The outer lining of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. It also has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the abdominal organs, and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the abdominal wall.
Mesothelioma in the peritoneum is called peritoneal mesothelioma. It causes thickening of the linings surrounding the abdominal organs and a collection of fluid in the abdomen. The collection of fluid is called ascites and causes swelling of the abdomen. Around 1 in 4 cases of mesothelioma develop in the peritoneum.
Side view of the abdomen. The peritoneum is shown as the thick line surrounding the abdominal organs.
Very rarely, a mesothelioma may develop in the outer lining of the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or in the outer lining of the testes (testicular mesothelioma).
Cell types of mesothelioma
Mesothelioma can be grouped according to how the cells look under a microscope.
There are 3 main types:
- epithelial - this is the most common
- sarcomatoid (fibrous)
- mixed (biphasic) - these have both epithelial and sarcomatoid cells.
The treatment is the same for the different types of mesothelioma. Knowing the type of cell involved may indicate how the disease will respond to treatment.
Mesothelioma Prevention
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends a number of steps and precautions people can take to help protect themselves against non-occupational asbestos exposure that may lead to mesothelioma. These mesothelioma prevention methods include, but are not limited to:
• Regular inspection and monitoring of asbestos-containing products or materials around the home since asbestos was commonly used in the production of roof shingles, insulation, flooring, and more.
• Don't attempt to remove any asbestos-containing materials. It is vital that you enlist the help of an asbestos removal professional who is properly trained to handle the material and can ensure safe removal.
• Avoid vacuuming, sweeping, drilling, sanding, or scraping any surfaces that may contain asbestos fibers. Once these fibers are airborne, they may be inhaled or ingested greatly increasing the risk of mesothelioma.
For people who have worked with asbestos for many years, the discussion of mesothelioma prevention seems to be a moot point. Many who have been exposed to asbestos believe it's already too late to talk about ways to avoid developing mesothelioma. They think the affect of asbestos on the lungs has already manifested itself and there's no escaping the threat of developing the disease. However, past asbestos exposure is not the only factor people should worry about because the possibility of being exposed today is just one mistake away.
Asbestos was used in literally thousands of products throughout much of the twentieth century. Many of those items, particularly building products, are still in homes, offices, and factories across the country. Workers in specific industries can still encounter asbestos as well, including those who work in shipyards, power plants, chemical plants, or in the railroad and automotive industry.
Prevention at Work
In the past, the majority of workers had no idea that asbestos exposure could lead to the contraction of serious diseases. Today, however, most individuals are aware of the dangers, especially if they work in an industry that traditionally made use of the toxic substance. Regardless of the knowledge that is now available, not everyone takes the proper precautions that are needed to prevent exposure.
Preventing asbestos exposure and the risk of contracting mesothelioma at work can be accomplished through a few simple precautions. First of all, protective gear should be worn any time the presence of asbestos is suspected. Secondly, any clothes worn while working with asbestos should be left at the site. Wearing asbestos-covered clothes outside the work area could subject others to unwanted exposure. When dealing with asbestos, proper abatement methods should also be followed to ensure complete safety.
Prevention in the Home
Most people don't encounter asbestos simply by walking around their home even if there is asbestos inside. Asbestos exposure usually occurs during home renovation projects because do-it-yourself projects can catch non-professionals off guard. Some of the in-home items that may contain asbestos include:
• Attic insulation
• Roof shingles and tar
• Drywall and drywall glue
• Floor tiles
• Popcorn ceilings
• Joint compounds
• Wrapping on pipes and electrical wires
Asbestos that is already damaged or may be crumbling because of age is referred to as "friable" asbestos. This kind of asbestos is especially dangerous because the toxic fibers that make up asbestos can easily circulate through the air become inhaled. Anyone performing any type of serious renovation work on a home built prior to 1980 should always wear protective gear.
Mesothelioma Prevention After Exposure
Individuals who have already been exposed to asbestos, but have not developed an asbestos-related disease should be diligent about monitoring their health on a regular basis. This can be done in a few different ways:
• Mesothelioma blood test - A simple blood test that can detect mesothelioma before its symptoms appear was approved by the FDA. Dubbed Mesomark, this test can be administered in a doctor's office. Find out if your doctor has access to the test and be sure to be tested annually.
• Imaging and other tests - Asbestos-exposed individuals can also be monitored via a diagnostic imaging test such as an x-ray, or by means of a pulmonary function test, which measures how well the lungs are working. These should also be done annually.
Also, anyone who has been exposed to asbestos and has not yet developed an asbestos-related disease should not smoke. Smoking greatly increases the possibility of developing such a disease. In addition, those who have asbestosis and continue to smoke run a much higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
• Joint compound
• Roofing tar
• Brake pads
• Fireproofing
• Pipes
• Insulation
• Countertops
• Floor tiles
• Textured wall and ceiling coatings
If these items are intact, they usually present little to no health hazards. However, if they are damaged or "friable," they should be removed from the house immediately. Removal should be done by a licensed abatement company, as this is the best way to protect you and your family from asbestos exposure.
Sources:
http://www.asbestosnews.com
http://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/prevention.php
