What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive disease that develops in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that protects and covers many of the body’s internal organs.
Unlike most cancers, mesothelioma doesn’t usually form as a single tumor, making it harder for oncologists (cancer doctors) to diagnose and treat. For example, pleural mesothelioma spreads over the surface of the lungs and chest wall, while peritoneal mesothelioma covers the abdominal lining.
Key Facts on Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer
- About 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.
- The most common symptoms are cough, fluid buildup, and shortness of breath.
- Military veterans make up roughly 30% of all mesothelioma cases.
- Mesothelioma patients and their family members may qualify for financial compensation averaging over $1 million.
Even though mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, advances in surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are offering new hope to patients. Emerging treatments are also helping to improve survival rates and quality of life.
If you or a loved one has mesothelioma, you don’t have to walk through it alone. Get a copy of our Free Mesothelioma Guide to learn about treatments, financial compensation, and support services.
Causes of Mesothelioma Cancer
Asbestos exposure is the only proven cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a toxic substance that was once widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing because it was fireproof, durable, and affordable.
When you breathe in or swallow asbestos fibers, they can become trapped in your body and cause inflammation and long-term damage. This can lead to genetic mutations that trigger mesothelioma 10 to 50 years after asbestos exposure.
Unfortunately, the dangers of asbestos were hidden by private companies for years, putting millions of workers, military veterans, and families at risk. Even short-term or secondary exposure through someone who worked with asbestos can increase your risk of mesothelioma.
Types of Mesothelioma
There are four types of mesothelioma cancer, and each type impacts a specific part of the body.
Pleural Mesothelioma (Lung Lining)
Pleural mesothelioma starts in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It’s the most common type, making up more than 75% of all mesothelioma cases, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
The average life expectancy for pleural mesothelioma is 8-22 months, based on a report in Molecular Oncology.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdominal Lining)
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type, making up 10% to 15% of all cases, according to MD Anderson Cancer Center. This type of mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining, also known as the peritoneum.
Since this type of cancer doesn’t affect the heart or lungs unless it spreads beyond the abdomen, peritoneal mesothelioma patients have higher survival rates than those with pleural mesothelioma.
Patients live 53 months on average if they get cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy), according to a report in the Journal of Clinical Haematology.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (Heart Lining)
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the pericardium, the tissue surrounding the heart. This type of mesothelioma is extremely rare and makes up less than 1% of all cases.
Due to the disease’s location, pericardial mesothelioma patients have a shorter life expectancy, averaging 2-6 months.
Testicular Mesothelioma (Testicle Lining)
Testicular mesothelioma develops in the lining of the testes, also called the tunica vaginalis.
Fewer than 300 cases of testicular mesothelioma have been reported worldwide. Despite it being a rare diagnosis, it is highly treatable.
Testicular mesothelioma has an average life expectancy of 46.7 months, according to an Environmental Health report.
Mesothelioma Cell Types
Mesothelioma can also be classified by the type of cells that make up the tumors. There are three main mesothelioma cell types, and each responds differently to treatment.
The 3 main mesothelioma cell types are:
- Epithelioid: The epithelioid or epithelial cell type is the most common, making up more than half of all mesothelioma cases.
- Sarcomatoid: The rarest cell type of mesothelioma, sarcomatoid cells are also the hardest to treat.
- Biphasic: Marked by the presence of both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells, patients with biphasic mesothelioma make up nearly a third of cases.
Knowing your cell type can help your medical team create the most effective treatment plan for you.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on where the cancer forms in the body. However, most patients share some common mesothelioma symptoms.
These include:
- Abdominal pain and/or chest pain
- Fever
- Fluid buildup in the chest (pleural effusion)
- Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Night sweats
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
In the early stages, the warning signs of mesothelioma are often mild and nonspecific. As the cancer progresses, you may start to notice more severe symptoms.
“I kept thinking people are going to think that I’m a hypochondriac, but it got to the point where I couldn’t stand up straight. It was as if my insides were glued.”
How Is Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosed?
Mesothelioma is diagnosed through a series of tests to look for abnormalities and rule out the possibility of other conditions.
Here’s how doctors typically make a mesothelioma diagnosis:
- Physical exam: The doctor will check your overall health and ask about your symptoms. Make sure to mention any past asbestos exposure, even if you’re unsure exactly when or where it happened.
- Imaging tests: Doctors may order chest X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other imaging scans to look for signs of mesothelioma, like fluid buildup around the lungs or abdomen.
- Biopsy: A biopsy is the only way to confirm if you have mesothelioma. To perform a biopsy, doctors surgically remove a small sample of tissue or fluid from the affected area and examine it under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
Once asbestos cancer is diagnosed, doctors can determine the best treatments based on its location, stage, and cell type.
Avoiding a Misdiagnosis
Mesothelioma often gets mistaken for other types of cancer or different conditions, like lung cancer or pneumonia. In fact, 22.6% or nearly 1 in 4 cases are misdiagnosed, according to a report in Open Epidemiology.
“Because mesothelioma is such a rare cancer, it’s common for the diagnosis to either not be established the first time, or to be the wrong diagnosis because it can look like other diseases.”
To avoid a misdiagnosis, see a specialist who has experience diagnosing and treating mesothelioma cancer.
Even if you’ve already been diagnosed, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. A specialist can verify your diagnosis, stage, and cell type — all of which can impact your treatment plan.
Learn how to get the right diagnosis and access the care you need. Our Free Mesothelioma Guide can help you navigate your next steps, from getting a second opinion to finding top specialists.
The 4 Stages of Mesothelioma Cancer
Mesothelioma progresses through four stages that doctors use to describe the severity and spread of a patient’s cancer. Mesothelioma stages range from early, localized disease (stages 1 and 2) to advanced cases impacting distant organs (stages 3 and 4).
All forms of mesothelioma have different levels of progression and spread, but pleural mesothelioma is the only type where doctors use an official staging system. Learn more about each of the four stages of malignant pleural mesothelioma below.
The cancer is in the pleura only and hasn't begun spreading.
Treatments like surgery may improve life expectancy by several months or years.
Median Life Expectancy21 months
The cancer has spread just past the pleura and may have reached nearby lymph nodes.
Patients still have many treatment options to increase life expectancy.
Median Life Expectancy19 months
The cancer has reached nearby tissues, organs, or lymph nodes.
Some patients can get life-extending treatments, while others will opt for palliative care.
Median Life Expectancy16 months
The cancer has reached the other side of the chest and the rest of the body.
Treatments are primarily focused on easing pain, though chemotherapy may be an option.
Median Life Expectancy12 months
Mesothelioma Prognosis
Mesothelioma prognosis is the expected outlook for patients diagnosed with this cancer, including their life expectancy.
Factors that affect your prognosis include:
- Age and overall health
- Cell type
- Mesothelioma type and stage
- Treatment response
Prognosis is an estimate based on the past results of other mesothelioma patients. Everyone’s situation is unique, and your prognosis can potentially improve with treatment.
Some patients have exceeded their initial prognosis by months, years, and even decades. These mesothelioma survivors have gone on to live happy lives despite what they were told about their future.
“We’ve made a lot of progress in our ability to diagnose mesothelioma, understand its behavior, and put together treatments that allow people to live with a good quality of life for an extended period of time.”
Life Expectancy and Survival Rate
Mesothelioma life expectancy and survival rate are essential parts of a prognosis. It’s important for patients to understand these terms and what they may mean to them.
- Life expectancy is the estimated time a person diagnosed with mesothelioma can expect to live. It’s typically given in months or years. The average life expectancy with mesothelioma is 12-21 months.
- Survival rate measures the number of patients still alive a certain period after their mesothelioma diagnosis. It’s expressed as a percentage over 1, 5, or 10 years. The overall 5-year survival rate for mesothelioma cancer is 12%, according to the ACS.
Both of these statistics are just that — averages based on other people’s experiences. Your life expectancy may be very different from other patients, and there is always hope.
John’s Survival Story
Nevada retiree John Stahl developed mesothelioma after working with asbestos-containing products for decades in the construction industry. Faced with a stage 4 diagnosis, he refused to let the disease dictate his life.
With the support of his wife Dee, John underwent chemotherapy while maintaining an incredibly positive outlook.
“I’m doing very well, as a matter of fact. I play golf twice a week. I ride my side-by-side. I go hang out with my friends when they’re around. Yeah, I’m pretty well back to normal.”
– John Stahl, 6+ year pleural mesothelioma survivor
John’s story shows that with specialized medical care and a strong support system, it’s possible to live a normal life with mesothelioma.
Julie’s Survival Story
Julie Gundlach’s life took an unexpected turn at the age of 35 when she was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. She traced her cancer back to secondary asbestos exposure from her father’s work as an electrician.
Doctors told her she had 6-12 months to live, but Julie persevered through multiple surgeries and chemotherapy treatments. Now approaching 20 years of survivorship, Julie embraces each day and lives in the moment.
“You look back on doing that one-day-at-a time thing, and all of a sudden you realize that you’ve accumulated a lot of days.”
– Julie Gundlach, 19+ year peritoneal mesothelioma survivor
Julie has been a vocal supporter of a nationwide asbestos ban and participates in events like the International Asbestos Awareness and Prevention Conference and Miles for Meso run/walk fundraiser.
Treatment Options for Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer
Every mesothelioma patient can benefit from treatment, whether to live longer or improve their quality of life.
Common mesothelioma treatments include:
- Surgery: Removes tumors and surrounding affected tissue.
- Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or before or after surgery.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Drugs like Opdivo® (nivolumab), Yervoy® (ipilimumab), and Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) are currently approved for mesothelioma.
- Radiation Therapy: Damages cancer cells and shrinks mesothelioma tumors with high-energy beams.
- Tumor Treating Fields: Generates electrical waves from adhesive patches attached to the chest to disrupt the cancer’s ability to spread. It has minimal side effects and is often combined with chemotherapy.
- Palliative Care: Describes any treatment that focuses on pain management and improving quality of life.
- Clinical Trials: Research studies testing new treatments like targeted therapy and cancer vaccines to extend survival.
A doctor will consider several factors when creating your treatment plan, such as your cancer type, stage, and overall health. The right treatment plan will balance potential benefits with what’s most important to you.
“Start thinking about your goals of care and what questions you need answered to make decisions about your treatment plan.”
Top Mesothelioma Doctors
Mesothelioma doctors have the experience and training to treat this rare and challenging cancer.
Some top mesothelioma doctors include:
Dr. Raphael Bueno
20+ years of experienceDirector of the International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston
Dr. James Pingpank
20+ years of experienceSurgical oncologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
Dr. Taylor Ripley
15+ years of experienceDirector of the Mesothelioma Treatment Center at Baylor College of Medicine’s Lung Institute in Houston
Dr. Mecker Möller
15+ years of experienceDirector of the Regional Therapies (HIPEC) Program at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
A mesothelioma specialist can:
- Provide a second opinion that could open the door to more treatment options
- Explain your diagnosis clearly and answer all your questions
- Develop a treatment plan that fits your personal needs and goals
- Help you explore alternative treatments to complement traditional therapies
- Connect you with clinical trials if standard treatments aren’t effective
Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with experienced specialists who can help you navigate your diagnosis and treatment options.
Financial Compensation for Mesothelioma
Maintaining financial stability after a mesothelioma diagnosis can be tough due to the high costs of treatment. Financial stress often adds an extra burden, making it harder for you to focus on healing and spending quality time with loved ones.
Thankfully, there are different compensation options that can help cover your medical bills and other expenses.
You may be able to pursue compensation through:
- Asbestos trust funds: Dozens of asbestos companies have already set aside over $30 billion in compensation for mesothelioma victims as part of bankruptcy proceedings.
- Mesothelioma lawsuits: Lawsuits allow victims and families to pursue compensation from the asbestos companies responsible for their illness. The average settlement from a mesothelioma lawsuit awards between $1 million and $1.4 million.
- VA benefits: Married veterans with mesothelioma cancer may qualify for $4,044.91 a month in tax-free disability compensation if they were exposed to asbestos during their military service.
After developing pleural mesothelioma from being exposed to asbestos in chemistry class, Dr. Bonnie Snyder worked with Simmons Hanly Conroy — the legal partner of Mesothelioma Hope — to file a lawsuit and get support for her medical expenses. Learn if you qualify for compensation by calling (866) 608-8933 now. View Transcript.
Duration: 4 min 16 sec
I married a man with mules, and the first thing I was told was that I would learn to drive mules. So, I learned to drive mules. We’ve been married for 40 years now, and I have been riding and driving mules for 40 years.
I am not strong enough to even lift my body into the saddle anymore, and I’m not strong enough to handle a mule. That is all a result of mesothelioma.
My name is Dr. Bonnie Snider. My connection to mesothelioma is that I am a mesothelioma patient and survivor.
My exposure happened when I was 16 years old. That was my first exposure. Because I wanted to go to veterinary school, I was told to get a chemistry degree, and the chemistry labs involved using heat-protective equipment. All of those things were laden with asbestos. I had no idea, as a 16-year-old, that there was any relationship between mesothelioma and asbestos.
I was exposed for four years as a chemistry major in college, and then I became a medical laboratory technician. Altogether, it was about eight years—from the ages of 16 to about 24—that I was exposed to asbestos.
I found out I had mesothelioma kind of inadvertently. I had undergone a double mastectomy as a result of breast cancer, and my doctor wanted me to have an MRI to make sure there was no recurring breast cancer. At the time, I was also being treated for thyroid cancer. During the MRI, they found a little fluid in my lungs.
The doctor thought I should have a biopsy of the lung fluid because it’s unusual to have that much fluid in the lungs. I started having breathing problems, and my husband had to take me to the emergency room twice to have fluid drained from my chest. He finally said, “That’s it. You’re going to do what the doctor said, and you’re going to go talk to the surgeon about finding out what’s going on in your chest.”
That was the first time the fluid was actually analyzed. I underwent surgery and was officially diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Everybody’s case is different, but until you talk to someone who is knowledgeable about mesothelioma and its repercussions, I don’t think you’ve done your due diligence as a patient. I would say that Susanne Conboy is a good place to start if you have mesothelioma.
I am not a litigious person. As veterinarians, we are aware of veterinarians being sued. The more I realized how often veterinarians are sued, the less I liked the idea of suing someone else.
It wasn’t until I met Brett, our lawyer, who flew out to Scottsdale and sat with me and my sister while I was going through chemotherapy, that my perspective changed. Brett was so patient, kind, understanding, thoughtful, and courteous. He was just a genuinely nice person.
He said, “Dr. Snider, you do realize that the companies that made the products you worked with as a 16-year-old knew that asbestos caused mesothelioma?”
I said, “No, I didn’t realize that. Where’s the literature to document it?”
He said, “Well, I can show you the literature.” And he did.
I was essentially exposed with their knowledge. I think it’s important for other people to realize that too—that they have options and may be able to get some financial help as they go through their mesothelioma journey.
There is no way to make filing a lawsuit easy. There is no way to make mesothelioma easy. But I think Brett and Simmons made it as easy as humanly possible, and I truly appreciate Brett. I will always appreciate Brett.
Mesothelioma Support Resources
Various support resources are available to help patients and their families navigate the challenges of asbestos cancer.
Our team can help you access:
- Caregiver assistance
- Emotional support services
- End-of-life counseling
- Financial assistance
- Grief counseling
- Support groups and peer mentors
These resources can provide the comfort and connection you need to face mesothelioma with strength and hope.
Living With Mesothelioma
No one anticipates getting diagnosed with mesothelioma. But there is more reason for hope today than ever before.
Although your medical care should be a primary focus after a diagnosis, you should also think about what you want your new normal to look like.
Living with mesothelioma may include:
- Building your support network
- Finding mesothelioma information and resources
- Spending time with the people and things you love
Determine what you want your treatment timeline to look like as you seek care. Life with mesothelioma can still be full of joy and meaning.
“Until [we find a cure], you want to have the cancer successfully treated, and it’s not any different than diabetes. It’s a lifelong illness. You’re not cured from it — but you can be treated very successfully, and you can live a long life. The same kind of expectation should be applied to mesothelioma.”
Get Help After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
For over 25 years, thousands of families have worked with Mesothelioma Hope to overcome challenges related to their diagnosis. If you or a loved one has this cancer, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Take these important steps to move forward:
- Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide to arm yourself with information about your diagnosis.
- Work with our nurses to schedule appointments with top doctors.
- File mesothelioma claims worth more than $1 million on average.
- Pursue mesothelioma veterans benefits if you or a loved one served in the military.
Let us be your lifeline during your battle with mesothelioma. Call us at (866) 608-8933 or fill out our contact form — our Patient Advocates are standing by to assist you.
Mesothelioma Cancer FAQs
What is the main cause of mesothelioma?
Asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma. When you breathe in or swallow asbestos fibers, they can get stuck in the body and cause mesothelioma cancer to develop after several decades.
Most people are exposed at work, but it can also happen at home, school, and in nontraditional settings.
What is the link between asbestos and mesothelioma?
The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a mineral widely used in the military and many blue-collar industries from the 1930s to the 1980s.
When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can break apart and release tiny particles into the air, which may be breathed in or swallowed. These fibers can then get stuck in the body, leading to damage over time.
Over 10-50 years, this damage can turn into mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer.
How common is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, with about 3,000 new cases diagnosed each year in the U.S. and around 30,000 to 40,000 cases worldwide.
Its only known cause is asbestos exposure, which was common in jobs like construction and manufacturing for most of the 20th century.
Mesothelioma usually develops 10 to 50 years after asbestos exposure, which is why it can take a long time to diagnose.
Who usually gets mesothelioma?
People who’ve been exposed to asbestos, particularly through jobs in construction, shipbuilding, or manufacturing, are more likely to develop mesothelioma cancer.
If you or a family member worked in these industries, stay aware of the risks and see a doctor if you notice any symptoms — even if they seem mild or vague.
If you or a loved one has mesothelioma, our team can help determine when, where, and how your asbestos exposure happened and see if you qualify for compensation. Get a Free Case Review to learn more.
What is the life expectancy with mesothelioma?
The average life expectancy of mesothelioma is 12 to 21 months, but every patient will have a different experience.
Factors that influence life expectancy include:
- Type of mesothelioma
- Cancer stage
- Cell type
- Patient’s age
- Overall health
Treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery have helped many patients live much longer than average.
Is mesothelioma 100% fatal?
No. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, but it is not a guaranteed death sentence. Many patients who were diagnosed with mesothelioma have gone on to live 20 or more years after their diagnosis.
Specialized treatment plans can help you or your loved one live longer.
Is mesothelioma cancer?
Yes, mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops in the lining of certain organs. Patients can only develop mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.
The most common type of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura), and the second most common develops in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).
Can you reverse mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma cancer cannot be completely reversed, but treatments can help manage the disease. Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation can slow its progression and improve quality of life.
In some cases, early treatment can lead to long-term remission, where all signs of the cancer disappear.
Ongoing research is focused on finding new ways to treat and potentially cure mesothelioma.
What can you do if you or your loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
A mesothelioma diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but there are important steps you can take to get support and explore your options:
- Start by connecting with a specialist who has experience treating mesothelioma to create a personalized treatment plan.
- Consider joining support groups for emotional guidance and learning from others who have faced similar challenges.
- You may want to consider pursuing financial compensation to help cover medical costs and other expenses.
At Mesothelioma Hope, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to access helpful resources, connect with top doctors, and explore your options for compensation.
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