What is Mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer that occurs in the tissue covering the outside surface of the lung (pleura) or in the tissue covering the stomach and bowels (peritoneum). Malignant mesothelioma results from exposure to airborne asbestos that is either inhaled or swallowed. Asbestos fibers work their way to the outside surface of the lung or the outside surface of the stomach or bowel where they become trapped. Over many years, these trapped fibers cause a reaction that leads to cancer. The time required from first exposure to airborne asbestos fibers to the appearance of malignant mesothelioma can be 15 years or more. This time lag is referred to as the latency period.

MALIGNANT MESOTHELIOMA
IS NOT LUNG CANCER

Malignant mesothelioma is different from lung cancer. Lung cancer arises in the inner tissues of the lung and is far more common than mesothelioma. Lung cancer (often associated with cigarette smoking) is casued by exposure to asbestos. Cigarette smoking does not cause mesothelioma. Exposure to airborne asbestos fibers is the recognized cause of mesothelioma in the United States. For more detailed information about this disease, please visit the National Cancer Institute's malignant mesothelioma website.