Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects which part of the body?

Mesothelioma specifically affects the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. This type of cancer is primarily associated with exposure to asbestos, a fibrous mineral that was once widely used in construction and insulation materials. The disease develops in the mesothelial cells that line essential cavities of the body, including the chest cavity, abdomen, and heart sac.

While other conditions or cancers might affect different parts of the body, such as the stomach lining (which may be affected by gastric cancer), the brain (which can be subject to various types of tumors), or the skin (where skin cancers like melanoma arise), mesothelioma’s distinct characteristic of targeting the pleura makes it unique in relation to asbestos exposure. This focus on the lining of the lungs is crucial for understanding both the etiology of the disease and its connection to occupational hazards associated with asbestos.