Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer that affects the cells of the mesothelium tissue that lines several body cavities and most often affects the lungs, abdomen and heart.

Pleural: This is the most commonform and it affects the protective lining of the lungs, known as the pleural. This form of mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers into the lungs. Once asbestos is in the lung tissue it can cause the manifestation of lung cancer. If asbestos is absorbed into the pleural lining, that is when pleural mesothelioma is developed.

Symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain (specifically when taking deep breaths)
• Fever
• Persistent cough
• Difficulties with swallowing
• Fatigue
• Low levels of oxygen
• Fever

Peritoneal: This second most common type of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by the ingestion of asbestos. In the preliminary stages of the disease, peritoneal mesothelioma typically does not expand beyond the peritoneal cavity that contains the abdominal organs. In later stages, the infected cells can spread to the lymph nodes and the blood.

Symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Unintentional weight loss
• Anemia
• Blood clots
• Loss of appetite
• Fever

Pericardial: This type of mesothelioma represents about 1% of all diagnosis. It affects the lining of the heart known as the pericardium. Pericardial is very rare, difficult to detect and usually has a bleak prognosis.

Symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Persistent cough
• Heart palpitations/arrhythmia
• Shortness of breath