| What is Mesothelioma? |
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Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. "Mesothelioma" is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor which involves the mesothelial cells of an organ, usually the lungs, heart or abdominal organs. The most common type of mesothelioma is the pleural mesothelioma. The pleura is a thin membrane found between the lungs and the chest cavity. It provides a lubricated surface so that the lungs do not chafe against the chest walls. Thus, a pleural mesothelioma is often referred to as a "lung" cancer. Another form of mesothelioma is the peritoneal mesothelioma. The peritoneum is the membrane that encloses the organs of the abdomen. While peritoneal mesotheliomas are less common than pleural mesotheliomas, they tend to be more invasive, and thus result in a shorter life expectancy for the patient. Mesotheliomas have also been found in the stomach and other abdominal organs. Mesothelioma is most frequently caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals. Asbestos releases strong, microscopic fibers that may injure the protective linings surrounding the body’s organs. In the past, asbestos was widely used in many industrial products including insulation because of its high resistance to heat and fire.
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