What is mesothelial tissue?

The mesothelium is a protective sac that covers and protects most internal organs in the body. It is composed of two layers, one layer covers the organ and the second layer forms a sac around it. The mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that is released between these layers, allowing moving organs (such as the lungs) to move easily. The area between the two layers is often called the pleural space. Mesothelial tissue is found lining the abdominal cavity organs, the lungs and the heart. What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma occurs when the mesothelial cells grow out of control. These cells also lose the ability to stop producing the lubricating fluid when there is enough. This results in organs being encased with a thick rind of tumor tissue and excess fluid build up, causing symptoms. These cells can grow and invade other organs, or spread to other areas of the body. When the cells spread to other areas of the body, it is called metastasis.

The majority of mesotheliomas are found in the lining of the lung. About ten percent of cases are found in the abdominal cavity lining, and even more rarely, mesothelioma is found in the lining of the heart