Mesothelioma means “cancer of the mesothelium”. The mesothelium is a membrane that lines the inside of certain body cavities: the pleura (chest cavity), the peritoneum (abdominal cavity) and pericardium (sac surrounding the heart). It also envelops the internal reproductive organs in both men and women. The mesothelium covers and protects the internal organs of the body. It is composed of a thin layer of mesothelial cells that produce a slick, protective lubricating fluid that cushions the organs and allows them to slide over and around each other as necessary. Mesothelioma means “cancer of the mesothelium”. The mesothelium is a membrane that lines the inside of certain body cavities: the pleura (chest cavity), the peritoneum (abdominal cavity) and pericardium (sac surrounding the heart). It also envelops the internal reproductive organs in both men and women.
The mesothelium covers and protects the internal organs of the body. It is composed of a thin layer of mesothelial cells that produce a slick, protective lubricating fluid that cushions the organs and allows them to slide over and around each other as necessary.
