In other article, we have talked about the difficulty that relies on the diagnosis for mesothelioma, (http://www.infpedia.com/Health/mesothelioma/Why-is-it-so-difficult-to-find-mesothelioma-ad311.htm), and how easy it is to confuse mesothelioma symptoms with other common illnesses, such as the flu, fever, or simple coughs. As also noted on the mentioned article, mesothelioma is a form of cancer that appears in the mesothelium, a protective membrane that covers almost every internal organ of the body. This membrane or sac is affected by malignant –cancerous- cells that spread from other parts of the body. The usual coincidence on people suffering from mesothelioma is that they have worked on jobs that involved inhaling asbestos particles, natural materials made of little fibers, usually found in paint among other materials.

The problem with mesothelioma is that, as it affects the mesothelium, is directly mortal for the body, as it produces an uncontrolled reproduction of cells in every organ. To make it clear about the importance of mesothelium, we should say that, as a membrane, it covers the internal organs of the body, and is constituted by two layers of cells, the first one that surrounds each organ and the second one that forms a sac around them. The funcition of the mesothelium is to produce a lubricating fluid released between the layers. This fluid allows the organs to glide without problem against adjacent structures (i.e, the heart beats and the contracting lungs). The mesothelium has different names, depending on its location in the body. First of all, the peritoneum: it is the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. In second place, the pleura, membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. In third place, the pericardium covers and protects the heart. In male internal reproductive organs, we will find a mesothelial tissue surrounding them, called the tunica vaginalis testis. The tunica serosa uteri covers the internal reproductive organs in women.

When any part of the mesothelium is damaged by the action of cancerous cells, every internal organ is put at risk and may suffer entire death and dysfunction. Imagine a human without liver or lungs, do the math, and you will be able to figure out why mesothelioma is so harmful.

Another issue with mesothelioma is the easiness with which people may be prone to suffer from it. As it is commonly spread by the contact with asbestos, these are minerals that appear as masses of flexible fibers mostly used in industrial products: cement, brake linings, roofs, floors, textiles. When tiny particles of asbestos are in the air, and most commonly in processes of manufacturing, they may be inhaled or swallowed without noticing it. A person with more exposure to asbestos has more tendency to lung cancer, as well as larynx cancer or kidney cancer.

With the mesothelium at risk, the body becomes so weak that it is unlikely to survive too much with mesothelioma. It is highly recommended to be aware of any possible odd conduct, or for any differential symptom that may appear, so as to treat the disease with the most time in advance as possible. As any cancer, mesothelioma implies a race against time.