Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the internal organs (known as the mesothelium).[1] The most common area affected is the lining of the lungs and chest wall.[2][3] Less commonly the lining of the abdomen and rarely the sac surrounding the heart,[4] or the sac surrounding the testis may be affected.[2][5] Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma may include shortness of breath due to fluid around the lung, a swollen abdomen, chest wall pain, cough, feeling tired, and weight loss.[2] These symptoms typically come on slowly.[6]
Greater than 80% of mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. The greater the exposure the greater the risk.[3] As of 2013 about 125 million people have been exposed to asbestos at work.[7]
High rates of disease occur in people who mine asbestos, produce
products from asbestos, work with asbestos products, live with asbestos
workers, or work in buildings containing asbestos.