The Pacific Mesothelioma Center

The Pacific Mesothelioma Center (PMC), a division of The Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, was established in 2012 with the goal of becoming the most innovative research and treatment organization in the world for patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). A 501(c) (3) nonprofit medical research institute its PMC's mission to better serve a growing number of mesothelioma victims by supporting the first of its kind and only in- house lab, in the nation.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a protective membrane that covers internal organs of the body including the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. Mesothelioma can develop at any of these sites, but approximately 75% of the time it is the lung lining, or pleura, that is affected. 

What causes mesothelioma?

Each year 2,000 to 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma. The only universally accepted cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is the general name given to a group of minerals which can be separated into durable threads or fibers. Because it is resistant to heat, fire, electricity and chemicals, asbestos was used in thousands of industrial, construction, automotive and commercial products through the years. Unfortunately, the indestructible properties which make asbestos so effective in these products are also what make asbestos extremely toxic to the human body. 

Questions?

Contact Clare Cameron (t) (310)-478-4678 (e) ccameron@phlbi.org, (w) phlbi.org/pacific-mesothelioma-center/   . 

Mailing Address 

The Pacific Mesothelioma Center 

10780 Santa Monica Boulevard Suite 101

Los Angeles, CA 90025