Malignant Mesothelioma

Description

A rare and aggressive cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs (mesothelium). The most common type affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma).

Common Symptoms

• Chest pain under the rib cage
• Painful coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Lumps of tissue under the skin on the chest

Common Causes

• The primary and almost exclusive cause is exposure to asbestos fibers. Inhaled asbestos fibers travel to the small airways and may reach the pleura, where they can cause inflammation and scarring, leading to cancer years later.

Treatment Information