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Pleural mesothelioma is mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs. This is different from lung cancer that is a term that refers to any malignant tumor that develops in the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma is the growth of tumors on the pleura. As these tumors grow they limit the space available for the lungs to expand and also limit the ability of the lungs to expand. The pleura are the fibrous tissues that form the lining of the chest wall or the covering that surrounds the lungs. These tissues help to protect the lungs. They produce a lubricating fluid that fills the gap between the two sections of pleura. This gap between the pleura is called the pleural space. The fluid produced helps the lungs to move smoothly in the chest when they are inflating and deflating as we breathe. Without these smooth protective tissues and the lubricating fluid they produce the movement of the tissues of the chest would cause friction. This friction would cause irritation and pain to the organs and other tissues of the pleural cavity.
