An adenocarcinoma is a cancerous malignant tumor that originates in glandular epithelial tissues. These tissues line organs and cavities in the body, and also occur in the skin and glands. Lungs, pancreas, testicles, colon, and breast all contain this type of tissue. These epithelium can be found in ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm cells, but an adenocarcinoma can only develop in the cells that have secretary properties. The main causes of adenocarcinoma tumors are genetic mutations, and chromosome defects.

Other factors known to influence the development of adenocarcinoma tumors, other contributing factors to the development of these tumors are environmental such as; exposure to radiation, carcinogenic agents and chemicals. However, there are also non-environmental factors that can contribute to the development of these tumors such as; viruses, hormones and inflammation.

Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that develops in mesothelium cells. The mesothelium cells make up the membranes that cover and isolate organs within the body. Mesothelioma only accounts for three percent of cancers diagnosed per year in the United States.

All of the causes of mesothelioma are not entirely known, however exposure to asbestos is the leading contributing factor in the development of this disease. During scientific research, exposure to the Simian virus SV40 was found to sometimes cause mesothelioma. Exposure to thorium dioxide, which is present in some older types of x-ray film, is suspected as a contributing factor since thorium dioxide has been found to contribute to the development of other cancers.

Approximately 9 out of 10 cases of mesothelioma are linked to exposure to asbestos. Common sources of exposure to asbestos include locations like asbestos mines, processing and manufacturing plants, construction sites, power plants, metal works, shipyards, and the military. Secondary exposure is sometimes seen in women who washed the clothing of family members who were exposed at work. Hurricane Katrina and the World Trade Center attacks also led to the exposure of countless other victims.

Mesothelioma is nearly always fatal, and those diagnosed are usually given a life expectancy of less then one year. If diagnosed with this disease contacting a mesothelioma lawyer is suggested for seeking compensation for the victim and their family.

Another alarming condition such as malignant mesothelioma, find out and learn about it.