Malignant mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, a membrane that covers and protects the lungs (pleura), the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and heart (pericardium). Under normal conditions, the mesothelial cells multiply and then die to be replaced by other healthy cells. Malignant mesothelioma occurs when normal cells of the mesothelium lose control and spread rapidly and abnormally.   

Depending on the group of cells affected, malignant mesothelioma can be: malignant pleural mesothelioma, malignant peritoneal mesothelioma or malignant pericardial mesothelioma.