Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a deadly and incurable cancer caused by inhaled asbestos fibers. Most cases develop in the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Mesothelioma has a poor prognosis and an average life expectancy of about 12-21 months after diagnosis. Treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, may help improve prognosis.

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Fact-Checked and Medically Edited by: Dr. Mark Levin, Certified Oncologist and Hematologist

What Is Mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the protective linings that cover various organs.

This type of cancer most commonly affects the linings of the lungs (pleura) or abdomen (peritoneum). In rare cases, mesothelioma tumors can grow in the linings of the heart (pericardium) or testes (tunica vaginalis).

Only around 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.

Video Summary: Dennis, a victim of mesothelioma, talks about his journey from diagnosis to filing an asbestos claim. View Transcript.

The specialist called me one night at 5:30 and I thought, “this is odd time for them to be calling me.”

He said, “Dennis, I have the results for your test.”

And my reaction was, “Oh, good. What do you got?”

He didn’t speak for like five or seven seconds and I thought, “Oh my god, this is it.”

And he said, “The results from the biopsy are you have mesothelioma, you’ve been around asbestos.”

They determined I had peritoneal mesothelioma, that means it’s mostly in my stomach.

I asked her, “How long am I going to live, doctor?”

She told me, “I see five to ten years and I will hope for ten to fifteen.”

So I thought, “Oh my god, I just lose my dad three months earlier, now I got cancer.”

I had fun being a mechanic. The dust from brake jobs, yeah there’s a lot, especially in the hub of the wheel; got to get all the dust away so you can put in the new stuff.

I knew there was asbestos in it but I didn’t know it was harmful. I didn’t know it would cause cancer.

Do I call the attorneys? I didn’t know I would get these benefits. It’s helped complete our – make our living financially, we would have been in Hell in high water without these benefits.

I had a legal team on my side in two or three days I believe, and I was very comfortable.

They were real people and they came to my house. They treated me like a person, not a number. They took care of every step and they explained to me the steps that would be taken and as time went on, they needed to they would call me on the phone and let me know and it was a good experience.

If someone was diagnosed with mesothelioma, as I was. I would tell them, first of all, you need help like I did. We were given something we were never warned about, that asbestos was in the things we worked with.

They made it very personal for me in a good way. For my wife, and kids and my family, they really helped me and they treated me like a person.

Mesothelioma Causes

The only proven cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.

From the 1930s to the early 1980s, asbestos was widely used in blue-collar industries and the military. Corporations knew working with this mineral could harm employees, but they hid the truth, knowing they could make a huge profit selling asbestos products during World War II.

How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma

1. Exposure

1. Exposure

When asbestos products are disturbed, the fibers may be inhaled or ingested.

2. Buildup

2. Buildup

The asbestos fibers may then become lodged into various organ linings.

3. Damage

3. Damage

Once the fibers become stuck, they damage healthy tissue.

4. Cancer

4. Cancer

In some cases, this tissue damage causes cancerous tumors to form.

Who Is at Risk for Mesothelioma?

Anyone who has come into contact with asbestos may develop mesothelioma. However, some people are at a greater risk than others.

At Risk: Industrial Workers

Many industrial occupations put workers in direct contact with asbestos. High-risk jobs include construction work, shipbuilding, and automobile repair.

At Risk: Veterans

Asbestos was used widely by each branch of the military. According to the VA, 1 out of every 3 people diagnosed with mesothelioma is a veteran.

At Risk: Family and Loved Ones

Asbestos fibers often clung to workers’ uniforms, hair, and tools — only to be brought back into their homes, exposing other family members.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

The different types of mesothelioma have unique symptoms depending on where in the body the cancer first develops. That said, some mesothelioma symptoms are common among most patients.

Common symptoms of mesothelioma include:

  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Night sweats
  • Pain in the ribs, shoulder, or upper back
  • Pleural effusions (fluid in the lungs) or ascites (fluid in the abdomen)
  • Shortness of breath

Patients whose cancer has not yet spread usually experience mild and vague symptoms. In some cases, patients aren’t aware that they’re sick until their mesothelioma is quite advanced.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma in our free Mesothelioma Cancer Guide.

Types of Mesothelioma

There are 4 types of mesothelioma, each affecting a different area in the body.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma affects the protective lining that covers the chest cavity and lungs (pleura). It is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for roughly 80% of all cases, according to the American Cancer Society.

There are 4 stages of pleural mesothelioma under the Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) staging system.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). It is the second most common form of mesothelioma, affecting around 10% of all patients.

Peritoneal mesothelioma has one of the highest survival rates of any type, with roughly 65% of patients living at least 5 years after diagnosis if they receive curative treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma forms in the lining surrounding the heart (pericardium) and accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma. It has an incredibly low life expectancy, with patients living a median of only 6 months after diagnosis.

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma develops in the lining of the testes (tunica vaginalis). This cancer is extremely rare, with only around 100 cases ever reported. The median survival time of testicular mesothelioma patients after diagnosis is 23 months.

Stages of Mesothelioma

The stages of mesothelioma serve as a general description of how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. This information helps determine a patient’s treatment options and overall survival time.

Stage 1
  • The cancer has not yet spread beyond its origin
  • The average life expectancy is about 21 months
  • Treatments may improve life expectancy by several months or years
Stage 1
Located in lining of the lungs
Stage 1 Mesothelioma
Stage 2
  • The cancer has spread slightly, possibly into nearby lymph nodes
  • The average life expectancy is about 19 months
  • Patients still have many treatment options to increase life expectancy
Stage 2
Stage 2 Mesothelioma
Stage 3
  • Mesothelioma has metastasized into nearby tissues, organs, or lymph nodes
  • The average life expectancy is around 16 months
  • Patients may not be eligible for curative surgeries but can still undergo treatments to help slow disease spread and manage symptoms
Stage 3
Stage 3 Mesothelioma
Stage 4
  • The cancer has invaded sites in distant areas of the body
  • The average life expectancy is about 12 months
  • Treatments are focused on improving the patient’s quality of life
Stage 4
Stage 4 Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Getting an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis from a mesothelioma specialist is essential to receiving effective treatment.

Doctors usually take multiple steps to diagnose mesothelioma, however, a biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis.

Patient Examination

Patients who display symptoms of mesothelioma are encouraged to see their doctor to get a physical examination. During this initial visit, patients should tell their doctor about their history of asbestos exposure, if any.

The doctor may then request blood tests or an imaging scan of the patient’s chest or abdomen.

Imaging Scans

Imaging scans allow physicians to determine whether there are any abnormalities in a patient’s body. Doctors often require several scans — including X-rays, computed tomography scans (CT scans), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — to rule out other illnesses.

While imaging scans are valuable, they cannot be used exclusively to diagnose mesothelioma.

Biopsy of Mesothelioma Tumor

If imaging scans reveal an existing tumor or mass in the chest or abdomen, doctors will order a biopsy.

During a biopsy, doctors remove a tissue sample from the tumor, either through surgery or by inserting a special needle into the affected area. This sample is studied under a microscope to see if cancer cells are present.

Can Mesothelioma Be Misdiagnosed?

Yes, mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed for many reasons:

  • It is a rare type of cancer, and many doctors have no previous experience with it
  • Its symptoms are vague and may resemble other conditions
  • It can be hard to distinguish mesothelioma cells from cells of other cancers

A misdiagnosis may lead to months of wasted time and thousands of wasted dollars. This is why it’s important for patients to get a second opinion from a mesothelioma specialist.

Mesothelioma Prognosis

Mesothelioma prognosis describes the expected progression of a patient’s cancer, affecting their treatment options and median survival. Because mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer often diagnosed in later stages, most patients receive a poor prognosis.

The table below outlines the average life expectancy for each mesothelioma type.

Mesothelioma TypeLife Expectancy
Pleural Mesothelioma10-21 months
Peritoneal Mesothelioma28-35 months
Pericardial Mesothelioma5-6 months
Testicular Mesothelioma23 months

A patient’s prognosis can be influenced by several factors including their mesothelioma type, cell type, cancer stage, and overall health. For example, patients in poor health, or those with advanced cancer, tend to have shorter life expectancies.

That said, it is important to remember that a mesothelioma prognosis is not set in stone. The most effective way to extend patient survival is through early detection and prompt treatment.

Mesothelioma Cell Types

Mesothelioma tumors are made up of 3 main types of cells. Doctors use mesothelioma cell types to help determine a patient’s overall disease outlook and treatment plan.

Epithelioid

  • The most common mesothelioma cell type, making up around 60% of tumors, is epithelioid mesothelioma.
  • Epithelial cells divide at a slower rate than the other cell types, making them easier to treat.

Sarcomatoid

  • Sarcomatoid mesothelioma accounts for around 20% of mesothelioma tumors.
  • These cells grow and spread much faster than epithelioid cells, making them harder to treat.

Biphasic

  • Biphasic mesothelioma consists of both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells, occurring in about 20%-30% of cases.
  • Treatment depends on which cell type occurs more within a tumor.

Mesothelioma Treatment

The standard treatment options for mesothelioma are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of the three (multimodal treatment).

Although there is no true cure for mesothelioma, patients can work with their health care team to develop an effective, personalized treatment plan to help reduce symptoms and increase their survival time.

“What we are trying to do with mesothelioma is move to precision medicine and tailor therapy based on both the individual patient’s characteristics and the individual tumor characteristics.”

– Dr. Raphael Bueno, Pleural Mesothelioma Specialist

Surgery

Surgery for mesothelioma involves removing tumors and the surrounding tissue and organs (either partially or fully) to stop the spread of cancer.

The most common types of mesothelioma surgeries are:

Chemotherapy

Mesothelioma chemotherapy is commonly used alongside surgery to kill remaining cancer cells and achieve the best curative results. Standard chemotherapy is administered to mesothelioma patients in cycles over the course of several weeks or months.

Radiation Therapy

During radiation therapy for mesothelioma, doctors use high-energy radiation beams to shrink the cancerous tumors. Radiation has few side effects compared to chemotherapy and is often used as palliative treatment for late-stage mesothelioma patients.

Clinical Trials

Mesothelioma clinical trials offer hope to patients without standard treatment options and contribute vital information to future mesothelioma treatment efforts.

Emerging treatments being studied in clinical trials include:

  • Anti-angiogenesis
  • Chemotherapy advancements
  • Gene therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Photodynamic therapy

Patients with mesothelioma may be able to access these novel treatment options by working with a specialist at a mesothelioma cancer center.

Get Mesothelioma Treatment

Finding a specialist is an essential part of mesothelioma cancer treatment.

Because mesothelioma is so rare, most general practitioners are unfamiliar with diagnosing and treating it. Oncologists, pathologists, surgeons, and other medical doctors who specialize in mesothelioma research provide patients with the best chance at an effective treatment plan.

Find the Right Mesothelioma Doctor For You

Financial Support for Mesothelioma Victims

Mesothelioma treatment can lead to years of medical bills, adding unneeded stress at a time when patients need to focus on healing and spending time with loved ones.

Fortunately, patients and families affected by this cancer have several options to help them cover their medical costs.

Financial support options for mesothelioma include:

For decades, blue-collar workers, members of the United States military, and their loved ones were exposed to toxic asbestos fibers. Today, these victims and families have the opportunity to pursue compensation for their injuries.

For help connecting with a mesothelioma lawyer near you, get a free legal case review.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma

What are the first signs of mesothelioma?

In the early stages of mesothelioma, patients may not present any symptoms.

Signs of pleural mesothelioma usually appear once fluid begins to build up in the lining of the lungs. These symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a chronic cough. Similarly, as fluid accumulates in the abdomen, patients with peritoneal mesothelioma may experience weight loss, abdominal pain, and bloating.

How fast does mesothelioma spread?

It generally takes decades for mesothelioma to develop after initial asbestos exposure. However, once a diagnosis is made, the cancer metastasizes (spreads) rapidly.

This is especially true for patients with the sarcomatoid cell type, which spreads more quickly than its epithelioid counterpart. Patients with sarcomatoid mesothelioma have a prognosis of around 6 months, while those with epithelial cells live for 1.5 years on average.

Can a chest X-ray show mesothelioma?

Only a biopsy can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. That said, a chest X-ray may reveal certain abnormalities that suggest the presence of cancer. These abnormalities may include thickening of the lung lining or fluid buildup in the chest wall.

Can mesothelioma go into remission?

It is possible for mesothelioma cancer to go into remission, according to the American Cancer Society. Aggressive surgeries like EPP, P/D, or cytoreduction with HIPEC are designed to prevent mesothelioma tumors from growing or spreading for months or even years.

There are also various maintenance therapies designed to keep a patient’s mesothelioma stable and under control.

“At the first sign of tumor recurrence, we are able to utilize one of a number of treatments, such as radiation, chemotherapy, and cryoablation to attack it. As more treatments are developed in the future, we will be able to add these to our arsenal of maintenance therapies.”

– Dr. Robert Cameron, Pleural Mesothelioma Specialist

Can smoking cause mesothelioma?

At this time, there is no research that indicates smoking is a cause of mesothelioma.

What is known is that smokers who were exposed to asbestos are 50 to 84 times more likely to be diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry. For this reason, people with a known history of asbestos exposure may consider quitting smoking.

Can mesothelioma be inherited?

In rare cases, inherited gene mutations cause some people to be more likely to develop mesothelioma. One such example is the BAP1 gene. Gene mutations do not always lead to this predisposition, however.

How much do mesothelioma victims get?

Mesothelioma patients who secure legal compensation are awarded an average of $1 million in mesothelioma settlements.

This amount is dependent on multiple factors, including asbestos exposure history, the severity of the cancer, and more. You may receive more or less than this amount if you choose to pursue compensation through a lawsuit or asbestos trust fund claim.

Mesothelioma Support Team
Reviewed by:Dr. Mark Levin

Certified Oncologist and Hematologist

  • Fact-Checked
  • Editor

Mark Levin, MD has nearly 30 years of experience in academic and community hematology and oncology. In addition to serving as Chief or Director at four different teaching institutions throughout his life, he is also still a practicing clinician, has taught and designed formal education programs, and has authored numerous publications in various fields related to hematology and oncology.

Dr. Mark Levin is an independently paid medical reviewer.

Stephanie KiddWritten by:

Editor-in-Chief

Stephanie Kidd grew up in a family of civil servants, blue-collar workers, and medical caregivers. Upon graduating Summa Cum Laude from Stetson University, she began her career specializing in worker safety regulations and communications. Now, a proud member of the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) and Editor-in-Chief of the Mesothelioma Cancer Network, Stephanie serves as a voice for mesothelioma victims and their families.

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