What is Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer?

The chest cavity, abdominal cavity, and the cavity around the heart are lined by a layer of specialized cells called mesothelial cells. These cells also encase the outer periphery of most internal organs. The tissue formed by the mesothelial cells is called mesothelium.

The mesothelium protects these internal organs by producing a special lubricating fluid that allows organs to move without getting scarred.

For example, it cushions and lubricates the lungs when they move inside the chest during breathing and prevents scarring of heart tissues while it beats.

The mesothelium of the chest is called the pleura and the mesothelium of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. The sac that envelops the heart -the mesothelium of the pericardial cavity -is commonally referred to as pericardium.

Some tumors of the mesothelium can be benign, but in quite a few cases, they turn out to be malignant or cancerous tumors. A cancerous tumor of the mesothelium is called malignant mesothelioma.

A majority of mesotheliomas involve pleural mesothelium, and are called pleural mesotheliomas. Mesotheliomas that involve mesothelium tissues in the abdomen are called peritoneal mesotheliomas. Pericardial mesotheliomas are relatively rare, and involve pericardium mesothelium tissues.

Considering that a great majority of Pleural Mesothelioma cases result from exposure to asbestos fibers, it is often called asbestos lung disease. Even though Mesothelioma is mostly documented in men, it has also been found in women, young children, as well as in some domesticated animals/pets.

Additional information available on: Lung Cancer Causes, Lung Cancer Risk Factors, Lung Cancer Early Signs, Lung Cancer Symptoms, Lung Cancer Early Diagnosis, Staging of Lung Cancer Tumors, Lung Cancer Treatment, Lung Cancer Vaccine, Lung Cancer Prognosis, Small Cell Lung Cancer, - SCLC, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - NSCLC, Mixed Small Cell/Large Cell Lung Cancer, Asbestos, Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos Exposure, Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Pericardial Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Mesothelioma Symptoms, Mesothelioma Treatment, Mesothelioma Drugs, Mesothelioma Surgery, Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Drugs, and Mesothelioma Radiation Therapy.

Visit our Lung Disease reference page for additional information on various lung related health issues. Also check out cancer news for the latest news on What is Mesothelioma, and Lung Cancer Articles Library for additional information on various Asbestos Lung Diseases.

Note: Consult a qualified medical practitioner if you suspect lung disease. Information published at this mesothelioma/asbestosis resource forum - or most other websites for that matter - should not be relied upon for health decisions. The information presented on this web site is not intended as a substitute for medical care, medical, legal, or professional advise. Please talk with your healthcare provider for all your health concerns.