To define mesothelioma is becoming a daunting task for most people who are not medically inclined. However, there are very simple and complex definitions available online and offline. I will take you through some of the definitions available and leave you to determine which one best explains it to you.
In the medical fraternity, personnel defines mesothelioma as “A rare neoplasm derived from the lining cells of the pleura and peritoneum and growing as a thick sheet composed of spindle cells or fibrous tissue covering the viscera. ” This definition is very technical and not palatable for the consumption of the total populace because most of the terms used in the definition have to be defined over and over again for a layperson to comprehend.
The British Dictionary will define mesothelioma as follows “a tumor of the epithelium lining the lungs, abdomen, or heart: often associated with exposure to asbestos dust”. Quite a simple and straight forward definition which is understandable to everyone at the first glance.
According to Mayo Clinic, “Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs (mesothelium). Mesothelioma is an aggressive and deadly form of cancer.”
There is a common error that mesothelioma is a type of primary lung cancer; it is not. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the serous skin. These membranes comprise a series of bodies along the middle part of the body, including the abdomen.
So to define mesothelioma, one has several options from which to choose. You can pick and choose the one that best serves your needs. However, its still a deadly disease that we should all come together to support its victims.
If you have a definition that is different from what is listed here, feel free to post it in our comments section.