| Mesothelioma, an extremely
rare form of cancer, derives its name from mesothelium, which is the
tissue infected by this cancer. Mesothelium is a membrane covering most of
the body viscera. Factually speaking, mesothelium consists of two layers:
one of the two forms an immediate cover of the organ; the other one leaves a
space around the first layer and then forms a covering. A fluid released by
mesothelium fills this sac-like space. Function of this fluid is
lubrication, in other words, it allows convenient and frictionless motion of
the internal body organs. Mesothelial
tissue, if surrounds the lungs and chest cavity, is called pleura, it is
called peritoneum if it surrounds the abdominal organs and pericardium if it
surrounds heart. Mesothelial lining surrounding the male reproductive system
is called tunica vaginalis testis, and the one surrounding internal female
reproductive organs is called tunica serosa uteri.
Mesothelioma is a disorder, in which
uncontrollable division of cells of mesothelium leads to formation of a
tumor in this tissue, which, in most of the cases is malignant. That is why,
mesothelioma is also known as cancer of mesothelium. The cancerous cells of
mesothelioma can metastasize to other body parts and can also damage nearby
tissues. Most of the cases of mesothelioma begin in pleural cavity.
Peritoneal and pericardial origin is less common. Rarely, mesothelioma may
originate in groin and give a hernia-like appearance.
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