Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos. It most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs or the abdomen. The average life expectancy is 12 – 21 months after diagnosis, but prognosis may improve with treatment. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath and general fatigue.
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Medical advisor Dr. F. Perry Wilson answers the question “What is mesothelioma?”
KEY FACTS
Approximate New
Cases per Year:
3,000
People at Risk of
Developing Mesothelioma:
20 million
Of All Mesothelioma Cases Pleural Is Most Common:
80 – 90%
Median Age at Mesothelioma Diagnosis:
74 years
ON THIS PAGE
01. What Are the Causes & Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
02. What Are the Types of Mesothelioma?
03. How Is Mesothelioma Diagnosed & Staged?
04. What Is the Prognosis & Life Expectancy?
05. Treatment Options & Top Doctors Near You
06. Community Support
01. SYMPTOMS
What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma symptoms can take 10 – 50 years to emerge after initial exposure to asbestos. Symptoms are often mistaken for less serious illnesses, which can complicate early diagnosis. When symptoms present, patients should seek medical attention, as early detection may improve mesothelioma prognosis.
Learn More About Mesothelioma Symptoms
Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Chest pain or abdominal pain
Shortness of breath
Fluid buildup
Fatigue
Fever and night sweats
Weight loss
Who Is at Risk of Developing Mesothelioma?
Any amount of asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. However, certain occupations may experience higher rates of exposure. Loved ones of these workers also face a higher risk because of secondhand exposure.
Learn More About Mesothelioma Causes
How Mesothelioma Forms
02. TYPES
Types of Mesothelioma
There are four main types of mesothelioma based on tumor location. The most common type is malignant pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms, prognosis and treatment options vary depending on mesothelioma type.
Learn More About Mesothelioma Types
Pleural Mesothelioma
Develops in the lining of the lungs.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of the disease, accounting for 80 – 90% of all diagnoses.
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Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Develops in the lining of the abdomen.
It is the second most common form of the disease, accounting for about 15 – 20% of all diagnoses.
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Pericardial Mesothelioma
Develops in the lining of the heart.
Pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of the disease, accounting for only 1 – 2% of all mesothelioma diagnoses.
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Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
We offer assistance to those navigating mesothelioma treatment decisions and medical-related financial difficulties. Click the links to learn more about financial support options, assistance for veterans and top mesothelioma doctors.
Financial Assistance for Mesothelioma Patients
Get help paying for treatment costs.
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Assistance for Veterans with Mesothelioma
Get help navigating VA Claims.
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Connect with a Top Mesothelioma Doctor
Get help finding a specialist near you.
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03. DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosing Mesothelioma
After recognizing symptoms, doctors will perform a variety of tests and procedures to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. Biopsies are the only way to definitively diagnose mesothelioma Other diagnostic tools may help determine location and staging. Once a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will classify the disease into one of four stages. Mesothelioma staging will help determine prognosis and treatment options.
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Mesothelioma Stages
At stage 1 or 2, patients have the most treatment options. By stages 3 and 4, treatment options are generally more limited, as the cancer has spread.
04. PROGNOSIS
Mesothelioma Prognosis
Staging, tumor location and cell type help determine a patient’s mesothelioma prognosis. Due to these and other factors, prognosis will vary depending on the individual. When discussing a patient’s prognosis, mesothelioma doctors may also mention life expectancy and survival rates as related terms. Average life expectancy is 12 – 21 months.
DEFINING TERMS
Mesothelioma Prognosis
Prognosis
An estimate of how an individual’s disease is expected to progress and develop, along with the likelihood of survival.
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Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
Life Expectancy
How long a patient can expect to survive with or without undergoing treatment. This may change with treatment.
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Mesothelioma Survival Rate
Survival Rate
A statistic (percentage or ratio) indicating how many people live a certain amount of time after diagnosis.
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Mesothelioma Survivors
Some patients are able to outlive their prognosis by months or years. Heather Von St. James was given 15 months to live at the time of diagnosis. Today, she is a survivor of more than 14 years.
Hear Stories from Mesothelioma Survivors
05. TREATMENT
Mesothelioma Treatment
Standard treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The most common option is a multimodal approach, which combines two or more standard treatment options. Mesothelioma doctors continue to research new treatments through clinical trials.
Learn More About Mesothelioma Treatment
Find a Top Mesothelioma Doctor
Find a Top Mesothelioma Doctor
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Mesothelioma Cancer Centers
Locate Experienced Mesothelioma Cancer Centers
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Research Treatment Options in Your State
Research Treatment Options in Your State
Learn More
MESOTHELIOMA TREATMENT OPTIONS
For optimal patient success, mesothelioma doctors often recommend multimodal treatment, using multiple forms of therapy. Combining treatments has been shown to increase patient survival times.
06. SUPPORT
Support Throughout the
Mesothelioma Journey
Finding community with other patients, survivors and people who understand the intricacies of a rare cancer like mesothelioma may ease the heavy burden. There are numerous ways to get involved within the mesothelioma community to show support. Below are ways to engage with others who understand mesothelioma diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
News & Updates in the Mesothelioma Community
News & Updates in the Mesothelioma Community
Visit the Blog
Connect at mesothelioma events.
Connect at Mesothelioma Events
View Events
Funding Education for Those Impacted by Cancer
Funding Education for Those Impacted by Cancer
Learn More
Common Questions About Mesothelioma
Is mesothelioma treatable?
Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, there are treatment options available, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
What are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma symptoms vary based on type, but commonly include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain or abdominal pain and buildup of fluid.
What is the main cause of mesothelioma?
The only known cause of malignant mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
Is mesothelioma a form of cancer?
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer. There are different types of mesothelioma, including pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.
What type of cancer is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium, or thin linings covering organs, such as the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Linda is the editor in chief at Mesothelioma.com.
Written by
Linda Molinari
Editor in Chief
Linda Molinari has more than 15 years of experience as a writer and advocate for mesothelioma patients and a ban on asbestos.
Full Bio Editorial Guidelines
Dr. James Stevenson
Medically Reviewed by folder
James Stevenson, M.D.
Thoracic Medical Oncologist
Dr. James Stevenson is an experienced medical oncologist specializing in mesothelioma and lung cancer treatment, currently practicing at the Cleveland Clinic.
Full Bio
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