Mesothelioma
/ˌmɛzoʊθəˈliːoʊmə/noun
A type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart, often linked to asbestos exposure.
Did you know?The prefix 'meso-' comes from Greek, meaning 'middle', hinting at how this cancer arises from cells in the middle layers of tissue.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μεσοθήλιον (mesothēlion)
“Middle tissue or membrane.”
19th Century
English
mesothelium
“The protective middle layer of cells lining body cavities.”
20th Century
English
mesothelioma
“A tumor arising from the mesothelium, often due to carcinogenic exposure.”
21st Century
English
mesothelioma
“A malignant tumor linked primarily to asbestos, representing a severe health consequence of industrial exposure.”
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