All mesotheliomas, including peritoneal, stem from extended
exposure to asbestos, usually at work. People diagnosed with the disease
often can pinpoint a time in their lives when they were around asbestos
dust, fibers or products for a sustained period. This exposure leads to
ingestion or inhalation of microscopic asbestos particles, which can
produce cancerous cells and then tumors.
Mesothelioma of the Peritoneum
The peritoneum is a protective membrane that surrounds the
abdomen, lungs, heart and testicles. It has two layers, and mesothelioma
can develop on both. The parietal layer covers the abdominal cavity,
while the visceral layer surrounds the organs of the abdomen. Together,
the layers support the abdominal cavity as a whole and the organs within
it.
What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
Although no definitive answer is available, cancer experts most commonly associate the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma with the following theories:- Swallowed asbestos fibers travel from the digestive system to the peritoneum.
- Inhaled asbestos fibers reach the peritoneum through the lymphatic system, which produces and stores cells that fight disease.
0 comments:
Post a Comment