What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelial tissue of the body. The mesothelial layer provides the lining of organs, producing fluid to assist these organs in moving smoothly against other organs. In the chest, the lungs and the chest wall are lined with mesothelial tissue called pleura. The peritoneum is the layer that surrounds the abdominal organs and the pericardium is mesothelium which forms the sac around the heart.
Mesothelioma develops most commonly from exposure to asbestos. Patients generally develop symptoms years after inhalation contact with asbestos-based products, including construction materials such as insulation, paints, and textiles. Most patients with mesothelioma have an employment history working in construction or demolition, mining, milling, or shipbuilding.
Smoking in conjunction with asbestos exposure may increase the likelihood of developing cancer in the lungs but does not seem to have an effect on development of mesothelioma.
