Mesothelioma What is mesothelioma? Mesothelioma Definition. Mesothelioma, also known as asbestosis or asbestos cancer, is a form of lung cancer disease that is caused by direct and unprotected exposure to asbestos, hence the name asbestos lung cancer. In this type of lung cancer, malignant mesothelioma cells will develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the internal organs in the body such as the heart, lungs and stomach. Despite the fact that mesothelioma is found in these areas, its most common site is the pleura (internal chest wall and outer lining of the lungs), as well as the peritoneum (abdominal cavity lining), pericardium (lining that surrounds the heart), and tunica vaginalis. Many people refer to this type of disease as meso cancer. |
