mesothelioma

In Kirksville, MO, a community is rallying support for a young woman with mesothelioma. A benefit was held on Friday, April 3rd.

Shelby Willis is a student at Kirksville High School. She was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma a few months ago, and has been undergoing treatment.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. Less than 500 cases are diagnosed in the US each year. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for less than 30% of all diagnosed mesothelioma cases.

The benefit for Shelby Willis was held by the Faith United Methodist Church at the Kirksville Moose Lodge. Raffles were held to raise money for Shelby's treatment.

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen, known as the peritoneum. This condition is sometimes also referred to as abdominal mesothelioma. The peritoneum supports and encases the organs of the abdomen.

Mesothelioma is extremely rare in young people. Most mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with the disease much later in life, in some cases up to three decades after their initial exposure to asbestos.

Cells in the lining of the abdomen produce a fluid which allows organs to move against one another. The cancer causes them to overproduce, creating excess fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Mesothelioma is almost exclusively linked to exposure or inhalation of asbestos. Asbestos was once a common component of building materials including siding, fireproofing, tiles, and other materials.