Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases. While this is a rare and aggressive form of cancer, early detection may improve prognosis and provide greater treatment options. There is no cure for mesothelioma; however, ongoing research and clinical trials are producing more effective treatments that offer relief and may prolong the lives of mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the tissue surrounding the lungs, the stomach, the testes, or the heart. This tissue is called the mesothelium. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the thin lining that protects the lungs, called the pleura. There are two layers of the pleura: The outer layer, the parietal pleura, is attached to the chest wall; the inner layer, the visceral pleura, covers the lungs and connecting structures. Fluid between the two layers provides lubrication and aids movement of the lungs during...