Mesothelioma is a very rare form of lung cancer of the chest or abdomen resulting from exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma (also called asbestos cancer) claims about 10,000 lives in the US every year.

Understanding mesothelioma
Mesothelioma develops in the mesothelium. The mesothelium is made up of parietal and visceral membranes, thin layers of tissue that surround organs and body cavities such as the lungs, heart or abdomen.

The visceral membrane immediately surrounds the organ and the parietal membrane is a sac surrounding the visceral membrane and organ. Together, the visceral and parietal membranes make up the mesothelium.

Fluids are stored within and between these membranes. This fluid helps cushion the organs and allows them some movement among surrounding structures. In the case of the lung, it helps reduce friction between the lung and chest wall as the lung expands during normal breathing.

The mesothelioma is referred to by different names depending on where in the body it is located. In the abdomen, it is called the peritoneum; in the lungs, the pleura; and in the heart, the pericardium. These correspond to peritoneum mesothelioma (cancer of the abdomen/stomach), pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lung lining) and pericardium mesothelioma.

Some people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace may have legal rights that can entitle them to claim damages from employers or product manufacturers. Those who believe they may have such a claim should be very choosy when selection a law firm, and should try to find a firm with previous experience in such cases.

See also:

• Understanding cancer
• Just diagnosed with cancer?
• Planning your treatment
• Building a support network
• Mesothelioma Treatment Options
• Asbestos Cancer Information