| Alveoli |
Tiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen
and carbon dioxide exchange places. Asbestos fibers cause scar tissue
to form on the alveoli, decreasing oxygen intake. |
| Asbestos |
Commercial name given to a fibrous mineral
that was commonly used in construction materials and other products
because of high heat resistance, strength and durability. Exposure
over time can lead to a number of serious health problems. |
| Asbestos Cancer |
Mesothelioma. The type of cancer caused
by inhalation of asbestos fibers. |
| Asbestos Lung Cancer |
Usually an oxymoron reference to mesothelioma.
Strictly speaking, asbestos causes a cancer called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma
is not lung cancer, but it affects the thoracic cavity, so people
often call it that. |
| Biopsy |
The removal of cells or tissues for examination
under a microscope. |
| Bronchi |
The two main air passages leading from
the trachea. They allow air to travel in and out of the lungs. |
| Cancer |
An abnormal growth of cells which grow
in an uncontrolled way and can spread to other areas of the body. |
| Chemotherapy |
Using drug treatments to destroy cancer
cells. |
| Chrysotile |
Form of asbestos with a white curly fibers,
chrysotile accounts for 90% of asbestos in industrial use. |
| CT Scan |
X-ray that generates cross-sections of
the body for more accurate analysis |
| Epithelial |
Cells that line the internal and external
surfaces of the body; the most common type of mesothelioma affects
the epithelial cells that line the lungs. |
| Immunotherapy |
Administration of biological agents to
induce a cancer fighting response from your immune system |
| Lung Cancer |
An uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells
in the lungs. |
| Metastasis |
Spread of a tumor from one part of
the body to other areas. |
| Mesothelium |
Tissue lining the chest, abdominal cavities
and outer surfaces of most internal organs. The tissue is made of
mesothelial cells. |
| Mesothelioma |
A type of cancer that has been linked to
asbestos exposure. It can be found in the lining of the chest (pleural
mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma),
or the lining of the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). |
| Parietal Pleura |
The tissue lining the inside of the chest
wall and is a target for asbestos related mesothelioma. |
| Palliative Treatment |
Therapy that aims to relieve symptoms of
cancer, but is not likely to cure the disease. The goal is improving
a patient’s quality of life. |
| PET Scan: (Positron Emission Tomography
Scan) |
A procedure in which a small amount of
radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scan maps
areas where it is used. Cancer cells often use more glucose than normal
cells, so the scan data can be used to identify cancerous cells. |
| Peritoneum |
Tissue composed of mesothelial cells that
lines the abdominal wall and is the site for peritoneal
mesothelioma. |
| Pleura |
Thin sheet of cells that protects and cushions
the lungs. The pleura is composed of two layers separated by a small
amount of fluid. This is the most common site for mesothelioma. |
| Pleural Cavity |
The space between the layers of the pleura. |
| Pleural Effusion |
Accumulation of fluid between the lining
of the lungs and chest cavity. |
| Pleural Mesothelioma |
Cancer of the pleura |
| Radiation Therapy |
Treatment with high-energy rays to eliminate
cancer cells. Can also destroy healthy cells. |
| Radiology |
The use of radiation (x-ray, MRI) to diagnose
or treat disease. |
| Tumor |
An abnormal mass of tissue that results
from uncontrolled cell division from damaged cells. Tumors can be
benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). |
| Vermiculite |
Mineral used for insulation, can sometimes
be contaminated with asbestos. More. |
