Where is Mesothelioma Found?

Mesothelioma is a condition that still comes with a lot of questions despite being relatively well-known. Because of the widespread use of asbestos generations ago, and the significant damage that asbestos caused to those who were exposed, this relatively rare condition now gets plenty of attention. 

But what is mesothelioma exactly, and where is it usually found? This article will take a closer look at some of the basics of mesothelioma, why it’s such a serious issue, and what those who may have been exposed to asbestos[1] should do to protect their future health. 

Two Likely Locations for Mesothelioma in the Human Body 

The name mesothelioma comes from the issue this cancer affects – the mesothelial tissues. Mesothelial tissues form the lining of the organs inside the human body, and as a result, it’s possible for mesothelioma to develop in any of those locations. With that said, two locations are by far the most likely spots for mesothelioma to be found. 

First, the most common site for mesothelioma is the pleura. 

This is the membrane that wraps around the lungs and chest cavity. Since it is located in the pleura, this form of cancer is known as pleural mesothelioma, and it is the most common location because it is where the asbestos fibers tend to gather when they are inhaled and become lodged in the body. Eventually, usually over a period of many decades, inflammation begins to occur, leading to the development of cancerous cells. 

The other likely site for mesothelioma is a little further down in the body, in the abdomen. 

In this case t’s the peritoneum that can be affected, which is in the abdominal cavity. The action that causes this kind of mesothelioma is the same – inhaled fibers make their way down to this location and cause inflammation, eventually leading to cancer. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common simply because the fibers have further to travel in the body to reach this site, but the results can be just as harmful to the affected individual. 

How Long Does Mesothelioma Take to Develop? 

For many, the lag time between the exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma can be hard to believe. Often, when we think about things that are harmful to human health, we consider that they will do harm to the person shortly after exposure. That is just not the case with asbestos and mesothelioma. In fact, a latency period of 10 years would actually be considered short, with it commonly taking multiple decades – 30-50 years or more – before the disease is identified. 

Asbestos exposure as a youth can lead to mesothelioma many decades later.

The primary problem with this extended latency period before symptoms appear is the fact that patients with mesothelioma often don’t know they have it until it’s far too late. And since they were exposed decades ago, it can also be difficult for these individuals to link cause and effect. For example, it may seem implausible that working around asbestos in a factory decades ago could have led to the onset of cancer well after retirement. 

For that reason, it’s important for anyone who knows they may have been exposed to asbestos in the past to address this matter with a doctor right away and remain vigilant for signs of mesothelioma or other related illnesses moving forward. The sooner that an illness can be caught, the more likely it will be that a treatment will yield positive results. 

Many Different Types of Exposure Can Lead to Illness 

It’s commonly believed by many that only working in direct contact with asbestos for an extended period of time increases the risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. To be sure, people who were exposed time and again to asbestos fibers are at an elevated risk, but the potential damage doesn’t end there. Anyone who has been around asbestos in the past for even a modest amount of time is in danger and needs to pay close attention to their health to spot signs of trouble. 

Secondary Asbestos Exposure in the Families of Industrial Workers

In addition to those who were exposed to asbestos on the job, it’s also important for people who might have experienced secondary exposure to seek medical attention. Secondary exposure could have occurred when someone in the house brought home asbestos[2] on their clothing or other items and transferred these fibers items in the home or in the family vehicle. Second-hand exposure, especially if it occurs repeatedly over time, can also lead to deadly health complications just the same as direct exposure. 

Another type of exposure that should be considered is environmental exposure, including living in a home that contains asbestos (i.e., in floor or ceiling tiles, insulation, or in other areas). Particularly risky is when renovation work[3] is completed on a home containing asbestos, disturbing fibers and causing these fibers to be released into the air. 

Prompt Treatment Can Make the Best of a Bad Situation 

Mesothelioma is a deadly disease, and that fact is made worse by the reality that it is typically caught rather late in its progression. The symptoms early on, if there are any, tend to be rather mild and non-specific. So, any early distress probably won’t be associated with mesothelioma in the mind of the victim, and by the time that connection is made, it is often much too late to do anything about it. 

There isn’t a cure currently for mesothelioma, but treatments can be more effective when the cancer is caught as early as possible. This is why it’s important for people to consider whether they’ve been exposed to asbestos at home or in the workplace. Getting tested for the presence of fibers in the lining of the stomach or lungs early enough can lead to more promising treatment outcomes. 

Get Started Today 

Mesothelioma is a deadly disease that should be addressed as soon as possible after it is discovered in order to give the patient the best possible outlook moving forward. Unfortunately, mesothelioma continues to be found in those who were exposed to asbestos, even if that exposure happened many years ago. 

If you think you could have been exposed to asbestos fibers, either directly or second-hand, consider seeing your doctor to discuss your concerns and take the next steps. If any asbestos-related disease is uncovered, it may be possible to seek financial compensation to cover medical expenses.

[1] https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/public-health-toxicology/asbestos/#:~:text=Because%20of%20these%20properties%2C%20asbestos,insulating%20papers%2C%20and%20protective%20clothing. 

[2] https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-review-of-the-take-home-exposure-pathway-of-Anua-Semple/1ea8e61e250d40647b458ed2f4f91e375021613e#:~:text=Expand-,View%20PDF,-Save%20to%20Library 

[3] https://academic.oup.com/annweh/article/67/8/952/7229486#411727578