Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin tissue that lines most of the internal organs (mesothelium). "Mesothelioma" is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor which involves the mesothelial cells of the organ. Mesothelial cells are the cells that form a protective lining of the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. Doctors divide mesothelioma several types based on where the cancer occurred.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that is difficult to treat. After a mesothelioma diagnosis is made, the majority of patients will not live longer than eighteen months. There are various reasons for this, including the nature of disease after being diagnosed and the lack of an effective surgical method to remove the tumor.
 
The following are the types of mesothelioma:

• Pleural malignant mesothelioma, occurring in the tissues lining around the lungs and is the most common type.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma, occurring in tissues that line the stomach.
• Pericardial mesothelioma, occurring in the tissues lining around the heart.
• Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, occur in the lining around the testicles.