What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer which originates in the membranes lining the chest, abdominal cavities or the heart. These membranes are called mesothelium, which is a protective sac of thin tissues covering vital organs. The mesothelium is comprised of two layers, the visceral membrane which covers the organ and the parietal membrane which forms a sac around it. A fluid is produced by the mesothelium to allow organs to move easily in the body.
Mesothelioma occurs when the cells in the tissue continually produce this fluid. Excess fluid and tissue builds up around these vital organs making it difficult for them to function effectively. The cells can then multiply and spread to other organs or areas in the body which is called metastasis.
The majority of malignant mesotheliomas (around 90%) occur in the lining of the lungs. The remaining cases of mesotheliomas develop in the abdomen and the heart.