What Is the Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor affecting the mesothelium, a membrane that covers most of the organs of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura (the lining around the lungs) or peritoneum (the lining around the abdomen).

Benign mesothelioma can also be called a fibroid, cancer and mesothelioma is also known as malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may also be named based on where it occurs. For example, malignant pleural mesothelioma is cancer that begins in the lining around the lungs.

Most people who develop malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. Benign Mesothelioma does not seem to have a relationship with exposure to asbestos.