Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium (a membrane surrounding the chest cavity, the cavity around the heart as well as the abdominal cavity). Mesothelium is responsible for protecting various body organs; therefore, if the disease is benign, then the tumor on the mesothelium can be surgically removed. However, the tumor can be cancerous if it is formed by over exposure to asbestos. This form of cancer affects over 3,000 Americans annually, and doctors estimate a death ratio of 3 men to one woman being affected by the disease.