Certain layers of cells form a membrane covering your internal organs. This membrane is called mesothelium. The internal layer covers the organ and the external one makes a sac around it. The mesothelium produces lubricating fluid between these layers, which helps such moving organs as the heart or the lungs to easily glide in the chest.

Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer, in which case the cells of mesothelium start spreading abnormally and invade and disturb other organs.

There are two main types of mesothelioma – pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. The pleural type develops in the tissue of the internal layer of the lungs and the peritoneal type in the tissue of the internal layer of the tummy or the abdomen.

The most widely known cause for mesothelioma is working with asbestos or having worked with asbestos in the past – in even 80 per cent of the cases. Together with smoking the risk of developing mesothelioma is increased remarkably.

The common symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pains and shortness of breath, fever and also swelling of the areas where the mesothelioma has spread, trouble swallowing, coughing persistently, sweating and weight loss and many symptoms, which are very common in other cases as well, but should certainly turn to your doctor in case of any suspicions.

Mesothelioma is diagnosed by performing a biopsy. The ways of treatment are surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.