41+ Define Mesothelioma Cancer
Images. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin tissues surrounding many of our internal organs. Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer of the lungs most often caused by inhaled asbestos particles.

While lung cancer and mesothelioma are both cancerous and arise from asbestos exposure, they differ in several meaningful ways. Mesothelioma tends to be hard to treat, whether the cancer is resectable or not. Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer of the thin tissue (mesothelium) that lines the lung, chest wall, and abdomen.

It may take up to 50 years to diagnose.

This type of cancer affects the lining that protects the contents of the abdomen and which also provides a lubricating fluid to enable the organs to move and work properly. Tumors are not always cancerous but can. The major risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Get the facts on mesothelioma types (pleural, peritoneal, pericardial), causes (asbestos), cancer diagnosis, prognosis, staging, life expectancy, and treatment information.