diagnosed with mesothelioma

About this information This information is for people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, their friends, families and carers, and for people who want to know more about the condition. It explains what mesothelioma is, what causes it and what the symptoms are. It provides information on diagnosis and treatment, and what to expect if you’re referred to a hospital cancer clinic. You can also find information on financial help and emotional support. This is how you say mesothelioma: ‘mee-zoh-thee-lee-oh-mah’ What is mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins to grow in the pleural membrane. Your chest contains two thin layers of cells – an outer layer that lines the inside of your rib cage and an inner layer that covers your lungs. These layers are called the pleura or pleural membrane. Each layer is about as thin as the skin of a balloon. The space between the two layers is called the pleural space and it normally contains a small amount of fluid. This fluid lubricates the two surfaces and lets your lungs and chest wall move and expand as you breathe in and out