The term Mesothelioma is used to describe a cancerous tumor that involves the “mosothelial” cells of an organ, usually the lungs, heart or abdominal organs. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma, a very agresive form of lung cancer. The “pleura” is a thin membrane found between the lungs and the chest cavity, which serves as a lubricant to prevent the lungs from chafing against the chest walls. When pleural mesothelioma cancer spreads, the cells of the mesothelium become abnormal. These malignant cells begin to divide and spread without order and can begin to affect organs and tissues in the immediate area. This often leads to complications in the surrounding organs.
There are two types of Pleural Mesothelioma, diffuse and malignant (cancerous), and localized and benign (non-cancerous). Benign mesotheliomas can often be removed surgically, are generally not life-threatening, and are not usually related to asbestos exposure. Malignant mesotheliomas, even though rare, are very serious and may require more aggresive treatments.