MESOTHELIOMA

Helping answer your questions about mesothelioma asbestos-related cancer

PEACE OF  MIND

Mesothelioma has become news in recent years because of the many lawsuits being lodged against construction companies and other businesses that did not disclose their knowledge of the harmful effects asbestos had on their workers.

But there is hope for mesothelioma patients, and there is a great deal of help available. This ranges from clinical trials of new treatments to a variety of legal options for victims of the disease.

What is Mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium or protective membrane around your organs.

The mesothelium consists of two layers: the inner layer that actually covers each organ, then the outer layer. In between is fluid, which is a bit like the rubber you find between cement slabs in footpaths. It lubricates the walls of each layer and also acts as a buffer, protecting your organs while allowing them to expand and move.

Mesothelioma can affect the pericardium (the layer that protects the heart), although this is relatively rare. This is called pericardial mesothelioma.

More common is the form that affects the peritoneum (abdominal cavity), and this usually spreads to the intestines and diaphragm. This is called peritoneal mesothelioma.

However, the most common form of mesothelioma affects the pleura - the chest cavity, and these usually progress to the thorax and then the lung. Oddly, it's more often the right lung that's affected. This is called pleural mesothelioma.