Mesothelioma of the Peritoneum

The peritoneum is a membranous layer that is made up of two sub-layers called the parietal and visceral layers. The parietal layer covers the abdominal cavity, while the visceral layer surrounds abdominal organs. Together these two layers provide support and protection for abdominal organs and the abdominal cavity as a whole.
There are two main theories regarding how asbestos exposure leads to the development of peritoneal mesothelioma:

• Asbestos fibers are ingested, and these fibers work their way from digestive organs into the peritoneal membrane.
• Asbestos fibers are inhaled, and travel to the peritoneal membrane via the lymphatic system.

Regardless of how asbestos fibers actually enter the peritoneal layers, once they do enter the membrane, the body experiences difficulty in expelling them. The fibers become trapped in the peritoneal membrane, and over a period of two or more decades, cause certain changes in the mesothelial cells of the peritoneum.
The exact way in which asbestos fibers cause changes in these mesothelial cells is uncertain. However, some researchers believe asbestos fibers cause long-term inflammation and irritation that eventually causes mesothelial cells to become cancerous. Cancerous mesothelial cells divide and grow without restraint, and this uncontrolled cell growth causes thickening of the peritoneum, and the build-up of fluid in the peritoneal layers.

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