Term: Mesothelioma
Definition: Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs, most commonly the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), or heart (pericardium).
Phonetic Pronunciation: (meh-soh-thee-lee-OH-muh)
Etymological Origin: The term "mesothelioma" is derived from the Greek words meso- meaning "middle," thele meaning "nipple" or "layer," and the suffix -oma meaning "tumor." It was first used in medical literature in the late 19th century to describe tumors arising from the mesothelial cells lining the body's cavities.
Significance in Asbestos Context: Mesothelioma is highly significant in the field of asbestos because it is strongly linked to asbestos exposure. Inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers can cause inflammation and genetic damage to mesothelial cells, leading to the development of mesothelioma. This disease is central to asbestos-related health discussions, litigation, and compensation claims, as it is considered a hallmark condition caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma has a long latency period, often taking decades to develop after initial exposure, which complicates diagnosis and legal cases.
Synonyms or Related Terms: Malignant mesothelioma, asbestos-related cancer, pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma.
Example Sentence: "The worker was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma after years of occupational exposure to asbestos in the construction industry."
Common Misconceptions:
