Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, benign or malignant, that affects the mesothelium, a membrane that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura, the lining around the lungs, or peritoneum, the lining around the abdomen. This disease is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos is a name given to naturally occurring silicate minerals that have been mined for its useful properties, such as thermal insulation and chemical and thermal stability. Read more »

Depending on the patient's exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma could appear as early as 15 years or as late as 30-40 years after exposure. The most common symptoms include:

* Shortness of breath
* Constant chest pain
* Coughing up blood
* Rapid weight loss
* Fatigue and weakness
* Difficulty swallowing
* High fevers

Many of signs pertain to pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of the disease.

Peritoneal mesothelioma, also known as abdominal mesothelioma, is another common form of the disease that affects the lining of the abdomen. Symptoms may include: Read more »

For years, medical researchers have studied cancer and monitored its progression in terms of stages, which allows doctors to determine the extent the patient's cancer and how far has it has spread. The proper staging of cancer is critical in allowing the oncologist to determine the best course of mesothelioma treatment.

Below is a general list of mesothelioma stages a patient may experience: Read more »