Mesothelioma is..

Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the lining of the chest or abdomen. Exposure to asbestos particles in the air increases the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. This is a rare form of cancer that involves the mesothelium, or cells that line an organ, abdominal organs, usually the lungs, and heart.

The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, where the malignant tumors form on the pleura, the sac that lines the chest cavity and protects the lungs. It\'s usually caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos mesothelioma is a fibrous mineral known to be carcinogenic. There is a long latency period between initial exposure to asbestos and the development of malignant tumors.

The early symptoms of mesothelioma can resemble pneumonia, including shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, persistent cough, chest and abdominal pain. Treatment for mesothelioma cancer can be surgery to remove the tumors, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of the three. Mesothelioma the medical name for cancer of the pleura (the lining of the lung and chest cavity) or cancer of the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen). Symptoms include a shortness of breath, chest pains, coughing, and loss of weight