Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is found in the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers the vital organs in the body.

Many people that develop mesothelioma usually do so after working at a job where asbestos dust and fiber particles were inhaled or after extended exposure while working in an asbestos environment. The diagnosis may be confirmed with general x-ray, CT scan and a biopsy of affected tissue.

There are three generally recognized forms of mesothelioma:

• Pleural mesothelioma: the most common type of mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lungs. 
• Peritoneal mesothelioma: occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity. 
• Pericardial mesotheliomais: found in the pericardium, the lining of the heart.

Symptoms

Symptoms of mesothelioma include: 

• Shortness of breath 
• Pain or swelling in the abdomen 
• Chest pain 
• Unexplained weight loss.

Treatment

Mesothelioma can be treated with these therapies:

• Surgery 
• Radiation therapy 
• Chemotherapy.