# mesothelioma

/ˌmɛsəˌθiɫiˈoʊmə/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mesothelioma
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a rare and serious type of cancer that grows in the thin layer of tissue covering your lungs or heart. It is usually caused by breathing in tiny pieces of asbestos over a long time.

For teachers: a malignant tumor of the mesothelium, typically affecting the pleura or peritoneum. Almost exclusively caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, it has a long latency period before symptoms manifest.

## Examples

- The doctor explained that mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer.
- Because mesothelioma develops decades after initial exposure, many patients were unaware they had worked in environments with high asbestos levels.
- The aggressive nature of mesothelioma often limits treatment options to palliative care, as the cancer tends to spread rapidly through the thin layers of tissue surrounding the thoracic cavity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.