Mesothelioma is aggressive cancer that has been found to affect the mesothelium that lines specific organs like the lungs, the stomach, and the heart. It is a relatively rarer form of cancer and has been linked to asbestos exposure.

There are three types of mesothelioma that are currently known.

Pleural mesothelioma occurs when a tumor forms in the pleural membranes that protect the lungs. Since the lungs are the region affected, symptoms of pleural mesothelioma invariable have to do with respiratory distress, shortness of breath and pain in the chest region. Pleural mesothelioma is believed to be caused when asbestos fibers are inhaled through the air passages.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is believed to be caused by swallowing asbestos fibers which make their way to the stomach and get trapped in the peritoneum. The common warning signs may include swelling in the abdominal region, anorexia, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss.

The third form of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma which affects the lining around the heart. Symptoms include chest pain, accumulation of fluid in the heart, arrhythmia and sudden variances in pulse rate. Pericardiectomy seems to be the only treatment option available and pericardiocentesis may also be performed to relieve the pressure on the heart. This is among the rarest forms of cancers, which is also why there is a very poor survival rate. Another reason for poor prognosis is the proximity of the cancerous growths to the heart and the possibility of metastasis. Surgery-related stress is also very high, accounting for the low median survival rate.