Mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor that comes from the cells of the mesothelium.  The mesothelium is a thin protective lining that covers many of the body’s internal organs, including the lungs.  The mesothelium has two layers with fluid producing mesothelial cells between these layers.  The fluid has a lubricating effect that allows moving organs like the heart and lungs to slide and move easily among other internal body parts with little friction.

One has mesothelioma cancer when the mesothelial cells begin to divide abnormally.  This cancer can spread rapidly because the mesothelium covers most of the internal organs.  The cancer cells also use the blood stream to spread to other parts of body.  Mesothelioma most often starts in the chest (pleura),  the abdomen (peritoneum), or the heart (pericardial).

Mesothelioma cancer is a very aggressive disease that spreads rapidly and frequently is fatal causing death soon after it is diagnosed.  For people who have had a long exposure to asbestos there is a growing concern and attention is being made to find a treatment or cure.