Mesothelioma

Also called: Malignant mesothelioma
The tissue that lines your lungs, stomach, heart and other organs is called mesothelium. Mesothelioma is cancer of that tissue. It is a rare but serious type of cancer. It usually starts in the lungs, but can also start in the abdomen or other organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. It can take a long time - 30 to 50 years - between being around asbestos and getting the disease. Treatment includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or all three.

General Information About Malignant Mesothelioma

Key Points for This Section

Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the chest or abdomen.
Being exposed to asbestos can affect the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma.
Possible signs of malignant mesothelioma include shortness of breath and pain under the rib cage.
Tests that examine the inside of the chest and abdomen are used to detect (find) and diagnose malignant mesothelioma.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the chest or abdomen.
Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs) or the peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen). This summary is about malignant mesothelioma of the pleura.