Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Article by Ryan Murphy
Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs.” The disease then proceeds to affect the abdomen wall or in this case, the peritoneum. It then goes on to infect a serious of membranes in the region as well as the membranes that enclose several other major organs. Mesothelioma is most oftenly found in people who have in some way inhaled asbestos particles or other airborn particles at their job or place of residence. Although, there is no connection between mesothelioma and smoking, which is a major factor in lung cancer. While smoking has not been proven to cause mesothelioma, it has been found to increase the risk of other asbestos-induce cancer. Of the 2.6 million annually diagnosed cases of mesolthelioma, 15% to 20% are peritoneal mesothelioma.
Cause and Effect “Malignant Peritoneal” Mesothelioma:
The only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is an extensive exposure to asbestos particles. Abstestos particles are microscopic natural fibers that are most oftenly found in highly industrialised areas. The particles become harmful once they enter the body and make their way to the abdominal wall, which they can reach through two methods. They can be ingested and then processed through digested and then lodged in the peritoneum, hence the name “Peritoneal Mesothelioma”. On the other hand, the harmful fibers can be inhaled and then make their way into the lungs and consequently the lymph nodes. Then, as most cancerous cells do, the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and begin to divide erratically and without control. Then the cancerous cells begin to invade and compromise the nearby tissues and organs. This type of cancer can very easily metastasize (spread) from its origin, usually the peritoneum, to other parts of the body. Thus it becomes a very deadly and unpredictable disease.
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