Definition:
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins in the lining around the lungs (the pleura, the lining around the abdominal organs (the peritoneum), or the lining around the heart (pericardium).
The most common cause of mesothelioma is on-the-job exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a fairly rare form of cancer, with roughly 2,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States each year.
