Mesothelioma Distribution
The layer covering the lungs is called the pleura. There are two pleura. These can be called pleural membranes. The outermost known as parietal membrane and the inner one covering the organ is known as Visceral membrane. The gap between them is called the pleural space. They help to protect the lungs. They produce a lubricating viscous fluid that fills the tiny space between the two pleura. This helps the lungs to move smoothly in the chest when they are inflating and deflating during respiration. So the pleura has a role in normal breathing activity of the body.
Pleural Mesothelioma
It is a common practice for Mesothelioma to be diagnosed in pleura and is known as pleural mesothelioma. As it is so close to the heart, pleural mesothelioma can also affect the layer covering the heart – the pericardium. The layer which protects the heart and allows it to move smoothly within the sac that surrounds it. In heart messthelioma is know as Pericardial mesothelioma. So its function is same for the heart as the pleura do for the lungs.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The tissue lining the abdomen is called the peritoneum. Peritoneum protects the organs in the abdomen. It also produces a viscous lubricating fluid. This helps the organs to move smoothly inside the abdomen as we move around and is a source of energy during starvation too.
Mesothelioma of peritoneum is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. It is much less common when compared with pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma usually does not to spread to other parts of the body such as liver, bone, brain or intestines. But if it does, it does not usually cause annoying symptoms.
Benign mesothelioma
Benign mesothelioma is non cancerous type of mesothelioma that can begin in the pleura (covering) of the lungs, or in the lining of the reproductive organs. It can occur both men or women.