Mesothelioma Glossary

Use mesothelioma resources like this glossary to stay well informed on terminology.

Our mesothelioma glossary is an alphabetical resource for common mesothelioma information and treatment procedures.  Click on the “more” link at the end of each entry to see a full definition.

Abdominal Mesothelioma
Also called peritoneal mesothelioma, this type of mesothelioma occurs in abdominal tissue. More …

Asbestos
Asbestos is any of several grayish minerals, as amphiboles (esp. actinolite) or serpentines (esp. chrysotile) , that readily separate into long, threadlike fibers. More …

Ascites
Ascites is the abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen that often leads to swelling. The buildup occurs in the space between the membranes lining the abdomen and the abdominal organs. More …

Biphasic Mesothelioma
A combination of epitheloid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma, it is one of the three main types of malignant mesotheliomas. More …

Chemotherapy
Also called “chemo” for short. This therapy involves the prevention or treatment of disease (as cancer) by the administration of chemical agents. More …

Epitheloid Mesothelioma
Also called “epithelioid” or “epithelial,” this kind of mesothelioma is the most common form, accounting for 50-70% of total cases. More …

Malignant Mesothelioma
Often called just “mesothelioma,” malignant mesothelioma is cancerous, derived from malignant tumors. More …

Mesothelioma
A tumor of the mesothelium, often malignant and thought to be caused most commonly by the inhalation of asbestos particles. More …

Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Also called abdominal mesothelioma, this type of mesothelioma occurs in the tissue lining your abdomen. More …

Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion refers to an abnormal buildup of fluid around the lungs (contrast with abdominal ascites). Specifically, the fluid collects between the pleura (the thin layer of tissue lining the lung) and the wall of the chest cavity. More …

Pleural Mesothelioma
This type of mesothelioma is found on the lining of the lungs and diaphragm in the chest. More …

Pleurectomy
A surgical procedure that removes part of the pleura (the thin layer of tissue covering the interior wall of the chest cavity) in order to relieve symptoms. More …

Pneumonectomy
A surgical procedure that removes the entire lung. One form of pneumonectomy is called “extrapleural pneumonectomy” (or “EPP”), where the affected lung is removed along with the pleura, diaphragm, and pericardium. More …

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
This kind is significantly less common than epitheloid mesothelioma or biphasic mesothelioma, the combination of epitheloid and sarcomatoid mesothelioma. More …