Faceticles

What is the Mesothelium?

•          Membrane covers and protects internal organs

•          Two layers of cells

•          One layer immediately surrounds organs

•          Second layer forms a sac around it

•          Produces lubricating fluid between these layers

•          Lubricant helps moving organs (heart, lungs)

Where is the mesothelium?

•          Several locations in the body

•          Different name depending on its location

•          Peritoneum: Abdominal cavity

•          Pleura: lungs, wall of the chest cavity

•          Pericardium: heart

•          Tunica vaginalis testis: Male reproductive

•          Tunica serosa uteri: Female reproductive

What is Mesothelioma?

•          Cells of the mesothelium are abnormal divide without control or order

•          Almost always start at the pleura or peritoneum (lungs or abdominal region)

•          Can invade/damage nearby tissues or organs

•          Can also metastasize (spread)

Causes of Mesothelioma

•          Has no connection to smoking

•          Over 90% of mesothelioma cases linked to asbestos exposure

•          Abestos exposure may be the largest culprit, however has been reported in people without exposure