Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that effects the lining around the lungs and other organs. The latency period for the diseases ranges from 10 years to 30 years. The cause of Mesothelioma is from breathing in asbestos, a known carcinogen that was once widely used in a range of items, from ceiling and wall tiles to insulation and auto brakes.
There are three forms of Mesothelioma: pleural Mesothelioma, peritoneal Mesothelioma and pericardial Mesothelioma. Pleura Mesothelioma is cancer of the membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the wall of the chest cavity. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is cancer of the membrane that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity. Pericardial Mesothelioma is cancer of the tissue around the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not diagnosed until it's too late because they are usually attributed to having a common cold.