WHAT IS MESOTHELIOMA?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the thin membrane protecting several of the body�s most important organs, including the lungs, abdomen and heart. Treatment for this disease includes surgery, 

chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

There are roughly 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma in the United States every year. It�s caused by asbestos, a natural, fire-resistant mineral. Many industries, such as construction, manufacturing, 

and the military, have used asbestos in a variety of materials. It takes decades from the time of asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to develop.

Types of Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma affects the protective lining of the lungs, the pleura. It�s the most common location where the disease occurs � about 75 percent of all diagnosed cases are pleural. 

If you�ve been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, you�ve got the most treatment options available, and the highest life expectancy.

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the protective lining of the abdominal cavity, the area of your body containing several organs, including the stomach, intestines, kidneys, and liver.

 It�s the second most common location where mesothelioma grows�about 20 to 24 percent of all mesotheliomas occur here.

Pericardial mesothelioma affects the protective lining of the heart. It�s the rarest location where mesothelioma occurs, and accounts for about 1 percent of all cases. 

Because it�s rare, doctors don�t get to treat many patients with mesothelioma in this location, and haven�t had many chances to create effective treatments. As more cases appear, however, they�ll be able to do so.

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