Mesothelioma Info

What Is Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin membrane that lines the chest, heart, abdomen and pelvic walls.

The mesothelium lining of the chest is referred to as the pleura. The mesothelium lining of the abdomen is referred to as the peritoneal mesothelium, and lastly, the mesothelium lining of the heart is referred to as the pericardial mesothelium.

Mesothelioma is a malignant process, or cancer, within one or more of these linings.

The different types of mesothelioma are named for the area where they occur: pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos.The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be incredibly difficult, but people suffering from the disease do have good medical options and legal options.

Although reported cases of mesothelioma have increased in the past 20 years, it is still a relatively rare cancer. About 2,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States.

Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma refers to any type of mesothelioma that is also malignant (as opposed to benign). The diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma must be made by a qualified healthcare professional. Treatment options available are dependent on the stage of the disease as well as the health of the patient.

Non-malignant mesotheliomas are nearly as rare as malignant mesothelioma, and usually present as a localized tumor (affecting men more often than women).

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining around the lungs, which is called the pleura.


Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease. The pleura has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the lung and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the chest wall. The two layers of the pleura are usually in contact and slide over each other as we breathe.


The membranes produce fluid, which allows them to slide over each other easily. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, the membranes thicken and may press inwards on the lung. Fluid may also collect between the two layers of the pleura, producing what is known as a pleural effusion.