Eesothelioma - Exposure to asbestos is the major risk factor

MesotheliomaFabric formed mesothelial cells is called mesothelium . Mesothelium of the chest is called the pleura , abdominal cavity - peritoneum cavity and heart - the pericardium .Tumors of the mesothelium can be benign or malignant, and malignant tumors usually arise , which are called mesothelioma .Almost three quarters of mesothelioma occurs in the thoracic cavity and are called pleural mesothelioma . In 10-20% of cases the tumor develops in the abdomen - peritoneal mesothelioma . Pericardial mesothelioma is very rare .Exposure to asbestos is the major risk factor for mesothelioma . Asbestos is used in the manufacture of insulation and refractory materials , tiles , brake pads, etc. After the establishment of the relationship of exposure to asbestos and development of mesothelioma use of this substance has declined sharply .The risk of developing mesothelioma depends on the intensity and duration of exposure to asbestos. Prolonged contact at a young age greatly increases the risk of mesothelioma. Time period from the first exposure to asbestos before tumor diagnosis is 20-50 years.Smoking by itself does not affect the increase in the incidence of mesothelioma, but the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. Smokers of people exposed to asbestos , the risk of lung cancer increased 50-90 times compared with the general population .For prophylaxis ( prevention ) of mesothelioma is necessary to avoid exposure to asbestos at home and in the workplace.