Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. It develops from the protective lining that covers many of the body’s internal organs. The protective lining is called the mesothelium.It is usually caused due to prolonged exposure to asbestos. It occurs in the outer lining of the lungs. But sometimes it occurs in the pleura, peritoneum ,the heart and the pericardium. Some 2500 to 3000 cases are diagnosed every year. Though rare now a days its found to be increasing gradually.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. It has been used extensively because of its usefulness in numerous fields especially in construction works. When this asbestos becomes disturbed, they become airborne and enter the atmosphere which can be inhaled by people in the surroundings. They then enter the body to cause several types of health conditions one being mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma affects people who work with asbestos or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. Washing the clothes of a person working with asbestos may also increase the risk of mesothelioma. Smoking generally increases the risk of asbestos related cancers though there is no connection between smoking and mesothelioma survival rate .Men are more likely to be affected by the disease due to the jobs. There isn’t any proof that women are not affected.
Over the last 20 years the one year survival rate has improved too, it sits at about 40 percent. However, overall, the mesothelioma survival rate is low. Have a nice day.