Most of your body's internal organs are covered by a membrane called the mesothelium. When a person gets a type of malignant or benign cancer called mesothelioma it affects the mesothelium.

The pleura is the lining around your lungs. Most mesothelioma cases start in the pleura or the peritoneum, which is the lining that surrounds your abdomen.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

Wherever it begins, the disease was almost always a result of being exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos is a silicate that has been mined and used for centuries because of its many useful properties which include thermal insulation, thermal stability, and chemical stability. Many of the people who have developed malignant mesothelioma have had jobs where they were exposed to asbestos fibers and either inhaled or swallowed the particles.

Malignant Mesothelioma Survival Rates

Mesothelioma survival rates reflect the percentage of people who have the disease and survive for a specific amount of time. Survival rates often reflect a five year time span.

Generally, the survival rate for mesothelioma depends on the following:

1. The patient's health and age

2. The stage of mesothelioma

3. The tumor's size

4. Whether or not the tumor can be removed

Since many variables are involved there are not absolutes. For example, if a patient is diagnosed with stage 1 mesothelioma and is generally in good health then he or she might be a candidate for mesothelioma treatment or surgery. If there is a good response to the treatments then there could be significant improvements for the chance of survival.

With that being said, here are average survival rates for mesothelioma sufferers:

- Approximately 40% survive the first year

- Approximately 20% survive the second year

- Approximately 12% survive the third year

- Approximately 10% survive the fourth year

- Less than 10% survive the fifth year

Since conditions do vary from one person to the next it is recommended that patients consult with their doctors.

What is Benign Mesothelioma?

Approximately 10% of all mesothelioma cases are benign. Because it isn't cancerous, treatment is much easier and it can be removed.

The symptoms are very similar to those of cancerous mesothelioma. However benign tumors don't invade nearby organs and tissues. They don't spread to other parts of a person's body.

Nonetheless, if a benign tumor grows large enough it can induce seizures or comas.

Once a person is diagnosed with benign mesothelioma then treatment and/or surgery will probably be scheduled. Most patients completely recover. Their pain usually diminishes and they most likely will find it easier to breathe.

Research indicates that 90% of benign mesothelioma patients have not had a repeated occurrence of a tumor growth.