Mesothelioma Information

The most serious of all asbestos related diseases, malignant mesothelioma is a cancer that is difficult to diagnose and not very responsive to therapy.

Mesothelial cells line the chest cavity, abdominal cavity, and the cavity around the heart. These cells also cover the outer surface of nearly all internal organs. The tissue formed by mesothelial cells is called mesothelium.

Mesothelioma was recognized as a tumor in the late 18th century. It was not until 1960 that this particular type of tumor was described in more detail and its association with asbestos exposure recognized.

Although mesothelioma is much more commonly seen in middle-aged men, it has been discovered in women and children as well. The cause of the disease is not well understood in these latter two groups, but there is some evidence of asbestos exposure in some of these cases as well.

About 75 percent of mesothelioma occurrences start in the chest cavity. This is known as pleural mesothelioma. Another 10 to 20 percent of occurrences begin in the abdomen and are called peritoneal mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma, starting in the cavity around the heart, is very rare.