Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that typically affects the lining of the lungs, heart and abdomen. This cancer occurs about four times more frequently in men than in women and all forms of mesothelioma, except for benign mesothelioma, are invariably fatal. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that affects the mesothelium causing cells in the membrane to become cancerous and divide rapidly. This causes the thickening of the membrane, fluid buildup and the formation of tumors. This can result in difficulty breathing, nausea, fatigue and a myriad of other concerns.

What are the main causes of mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is most predominantly caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled through the mouth and nose may eventually become embedded in the lining of the lungs, causing damage and resulting in lung cancer or asbestosis (scar tissue formation in the lungs). It has also been found that swallowing asbestos fibers could contribute to a form of mesothelioma originating in the abdomen called peritoneal mesothelioma.

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