Malignant mesotheliomais a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells  form in the lining of the chest or abdomen.  These cells are found in the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs) or the peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen). This summary is about malignant mesothelioma of the pleura.

Being exposed to asbestos can affect the risk of malignant mesothelioma.
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