mesothelioma

American  

[mez-uh-thee-lee-oh-muh, mes-, mee-zuh-, -suh-] / ˌmɛz əˌθi liˈoʊ mə, ˌmɛs-, ˈmi zə-, -sə- /

noun

Pathology.

mesotheliomas, plural mesotheliomata plural

1. a malignant tumor of the covering of the lung or the lining of the pleural and abdominal cavities, often associated with exposure to asbestos.

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mesothelioma British  

/ ˌmɛzəʊˌθiːlɪˈəʊmə /

noun

1. a tumour of the epithelium lining the lungs, abdomen, or heart: often associated with exposure to asbestos dust

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• mesotheliomas
  plural
• mesotheliomata
  plural

Etymology

Origin of mesothelioma

First recorded in 1905–10; mesotheli(um) + -oma

Example Sentences

Mesothelioma is typically associated with exposure to asbestos but, while there is no cure, early access to specialist nursing and coordinated care can make a significant difference.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

"The Gaza rubble is a very, very toxic environment," says Professor Bill Cookson, director of the National Centre for Mesothelioma Research in London.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2025

Mesothelioma attorneys have been charging anywhere from 25% to 40% for legal services, with the average reward being more than $1 million.

From Washington Times • Nov. 28, 2022

Mesothelioma can be treated but not cured, and life expectancy after diagnosis is typically one to two years.

From New York Times • Sep. 29, 2022

About 85% of cases of Mesothelioma in men are attributable to asbestos exposure in the workplace according to the Health & Safety Executive.

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2021