About MesotheliomaOnce an obscure disease that meant little to the general public, mention of this disease now conjures up thoughts and pictures of factories and mines littered with asbestos and the unfortunate workers who were employed in those dangerous places.About the Disease
-->Simply put, mesothelioma which is also referred to as asbestos cancer, is an aggressive cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. The disease attacks the mesothelium, a protective, two-layered membrane that covers the internal organs of the body including the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. Between these layers, the cells produce fluid, which allows easy movement of the heart and lungs within the chest cavity.  The layer that covers the lungs is called the pericardium, which is where pericardial mesothelioma is known to occur. The peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity.  Mesothelium also lines the male and female reproductive organs.   Mesothelioma can affect any of these cells, but is usually seen in the pleural or peritoneal mesothelium. The most commonly diagnosed form of this cancer is pleural mesothelioma.Mesothelioma takes anywhere from 20 to 50 years to develop, which is why older individuals are usually the victims.The MAA Center is dedicated to increasing awareness of this cancer through our public outreach efforts. Please visit our website for more information: www.maacenter.org.