Malignant Mesothelioma ("Asbestos Cancer")

Malignant mesothelioma (pronounced "mez-o-theel-e-oh-ma"), also known as "asbestos cancer," is a rare form of cancer found in the lining of the heart, lungs, abdomen, or the internal reproductive organs. This lining is called the mesothelium and is where mesothelioma gets its name.

Because tumors of the mesothelium are rarely benign (noncancerous), cancerous malignant mesothelioma is usually referred to simply as "mesothelioma," or, in casual terms, simply "meso."

The mesothelium covers various organs in the body protecting them and allowing organs to move against each other as the lungs expand and contract or the heart beats. Where the mesothelium covers the internal organs, it is called the visceral mesothelium and where it overs the body walls, it is called the parietal mesothelium.

Types of Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma [Learn more >>]

The mesothelium surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity is called the pleura, so mesothelioma affecting the cells lining the sacs surrounding the chest or lungs is referred to as pleural mesothelioma. Indicated in red on the graphic at right, pleural mesothelioma is the most commonly diagnosed type of mesothelioma. Learn more about pleural mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma [Learn more >>]

When the cancer affects the abdominal lining, or peritoneum, it is called peritoneal mesothelioma. The blue area in the graphic at right represents the general location of the peritoneum; it covers the bulk of the abdominal organs, providing support and allowing movement. Learn more about peritoneal mesothelioma.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Affecting the pericardial mesothelium, which lines the heart, pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare type of malignant mesothelioma.

Testicular Mesothelioma (Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis) or mesothelioma of the uterine serosa

The mesothlium lines the testis in men and this membrane can develop malignant mesothelioma. The comparable area in women would be the tunica serosa uteri and mesothelioma cancer can develop there as, well, but is even more rare than in the tunica vaginalis testis.

Malignant mesothelioma occurs when cells within the mesothelium become abnormal and divide uncontrollably. If not caught early enough, the cancer may metastasize, spreading to other organs of the body. While it is a very aggressive form of cancer, several treatment options are available for malignant mesothelioma.

Asbestos Cancer: Mesothelioma, Lung, Colon, & Larynx

The only known cause of mesothelioma is asbestos. Because asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma, it is sometimes referred to as "asbestos cancer." However, malignant mesothelioma is not the only cancer caused by asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can also cause laryngeal, colon, and lung cancer.

There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure, but asbestos cancers are dose dependent, meaning those exposed for longer periods of time and to greater amounts of asbestos are more likely to develope asbestos-releated disease. If you were exposed to asbestos, you should tell your physcian so he or she can make a determination for appropriate testing based on your history of exposure and symptoms.

• What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
• How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
• What mesothelioma treatments are available?

Learn more about mesothelioma, asbestos, and asbestos cancers

• What is asbestos?
• How much asbestos do various materials contain?
• What products contain asbestos?
• Read the latest mesothelioma news headlines
• What is mesothelioma lung cancer?