The lining or membranes of certain large cavities of our body is affected by a serious form of cancer known as mesothelioma cancer. These cavities are also known as the serous cavities and the vital organs like abdomen, heart, lungs etc are contained in them. The membranes which surround these cavities are called serous membranes. The main function of the serous membranes is to protect the vital organs from damages caused by abrasion and friction, while they move against each other during routine functioning. Mesothelial cells are the special cells which create the mesothelium, the major tissue layer of the serous membranes. The mesothelium tissue gets affected by mesothelioma.

Basically, the cancer shows its presence in three forms – peritoneal, pericardial and pleural. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, which is the membrane that surrounds the abdomen. Male testicles are also rarely affected by this cancer. The second form called the pericardial mesothelioma affects the pericardium, or the lining surrounding the heart. Pleural mesothelioma is a malignant form which attacks the lining of the lung cavity.

Starting as a localized tumor, mesothelioma cancer spreads very rapidly to the nearby organs and tissues. The non-cancerous growths and the fibrous cysts that appear in the serous membranes were initially considered to be fibrous mesothelioma which is not malignant. These conditions actually do not get initiated in mesothelial cells, but other cells within the serous membranes and they do not spread fast as they are localized.

There is proof that mesothelioma is caused by previous exposure to asbestos. It is a rare, serious, deadly disease and it is during the advanced stages that the cancer is detected. Hence a complete cure is normally out of question and the average survival time after the diagnosis is one to two years. The type of mesothelioma is also a determining factor of the survival time.

Both traditional and modern treatment procedures are available for tackling mesothelioma cancer. Traditional treatment procedures include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Sometimes doctors use a combination of methods according to their discretion. Palliative treatment, ie, treating the symptoms, is resorted, once the cancer assumes larger proportions.

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