Health Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon, but no longer rare, cancer that is difficult to diagnose and poorly responsive to therapy. Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos-related diseases. A layer of specialized cells called mesothelial cells lines the chest cavity, abdominal cavity, and the cavity around the heart. These cells also cover the outer surface of most internal organs. The tissue formed by these cells is called mesothelium. The mesothelium helps protect the organs by producing a special lubricating fluid that allows organs to move around. For example, this fluid makes it easier for the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing. The mesothelium of the chest is called the pleura and the mesothelium of the abdomen is known as the peritoneum. Business - List of business/finance/loan/mortgage resources more 1 2 3 4 5 Computers - List of computer hardware/software/peripheral resources more 1 2 3 4 5 Internet - List of webhosting/webdesign/internet marketing resources more 1 2 3 4 5 Software - List of software resources more 1 2 3 4 5 Web Design - List of web design/development resources more 1 2 3 4 5 Web Hosting - List of web hosting resources more 1 2 3 4 5 Web Promotion - List of search engine optimization/internet marketing resources more 1 2 3 4 5 Web Resources - List of other web resources more 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation - List of travel/hotel/cruise resources more 1 2 3 4 5 Casino - List of online gambling/poker/blackjack/roulette resources more 1 2 3 4 5 Health - List of online pharmacy/hospital/health resources more 1 2 3 4 5 Shopping - List of online shopping/gift resources more 1 2 3 4 5 Miscellaneous - List of all other resources not stated above more 1 2 3 4 5   The mesothelium of the pericardial cavity (the "sac-like" space around the heart) is called the pericardium Tumors of the mesothelium can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A malignant tumor of the mesothelium is called a malignant mesothelioma. Because most mesothelial tumors are cancerous, malignant mesothelioma is often simply called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma was recognized as a tumor of the pleura, peritoneum and pericardium in the late 1700's. However it was not until much later, in 1960, that this particular type of tumor was described in more detail and even more importantly, its association with asbestos exposure was recognized. The first report linking mesothelioma to asbestos exposure was written by J.C.Wagner, and described 32 cases of workers in the "Asbestos Hills" in South Africa.