What Is Mesothelioma?
The majority of mesothelioma cases develop in the lungs, leading to pleural mesothelioma, which accounts for about 70% to 79% of all cases.
This disease is known for its long latency period, meaning that symptoms can take anywhere from 20 to 60 years to appear after initial asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed in older adults, with most patients between 75 and 79 years old.
In the United States, states like California, Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, and Ohio report the highest mesothelioma mortality rates.
Our dedicated Patient Advocates can provide you with personalized support, helping you find the right treatment, access financial assistance, and connect with leading mesothelioma doctors.
Get Help NowMesothelioma Types
Mesothelioma is classified based on the location where tumors develop:
Pleural Mesothelioma-
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, making up 70% to 79% of cases. It develops in the pleura, the lining around the lungs.
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Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen and accounts for 10% to 20% of cases.
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A rare form, pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining around the heart, occurring in about 1% of cases.
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Testicular mesothelioma, the rarest type, forms in the lining of the testes and accounts for less than 1% of cases. It is often misdiagnosed due to its rarity.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms are often non-specific and resemble those of more common conditions, making diagnosis difficult. Common symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic cough
- Pleural effusion (fluid buildup in the lungs)
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling
- Digestive issues
- Unexplained weight loss
Primary Cause: Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials, industrial products, and consumer goods due to its heat resistance and durability. Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers, especially in occupations like construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing, can lead to inhalation or ingestion of the fibers. Over time, these fibers become embedded in the mesothelial tissue, causing chronic inflammation and leading to the development of mesothelioma.
Diagnosing Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma diagnosis requires a series of tests, including imaging scans and biopsies.
Common diagnostic methods include:
- Chest X-rays: Often the first test used to identify abnormalities in the lungs.
- CT Scans, MRIs, and PET Scans: Provide detailed images of the chest, abdomen, and other affected areas to detect the extent of the disease.
- Biopsies: A tissue sample is necessary to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. Doctors analyze the sample to identify the specific cell type, which influences the prognosis and treatment plan.
There are three primary cell types of mesothelioma:
- Epithelioid Mesothelioma: The most common and responsive to treatment.
- Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: More aggressive and resistant to treatment.
- Biphasic Mesothelioma: A combination of both cell types, with varying treatment outcomes depending on the dominant cell type.
Stages of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma progresses through four stages, which help doctors determine the extent of the disease and plan the most appropriate treatments. The stage of mesothelioma plays a critical role in the patient's prognosis and the available treatment options.
- The cancer is localized to the pleura or another primary site. Surgery may still be an option at this stage.
- Tumors begin to spread to nearby lymph nodes and tissues. Treatment options typically include a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.
- Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and surrounding organs, making surgery less effective.
- The most advanced stage, where tumors have metastasized to distant organs. Treatment focuses on palliative care to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Prognosis and Life Expectancy
Mesothelioma prognosis depends on several factors, including the cancer stage, cell type, and patient health. The average life expectancy for mesothelioma patients is 12 to 21 months, but survival rates vary based on the cancer type and stage at diagnosis.
Pleural Mesothelioma: The average life expectancy is around 12 to 21 months after diagnosis. This rate can improve with early detection and aggressive treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma: The 5-year survival rate for patients who undergo surgery and heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) is around 65%. Many patients with peritoneal mesothelioma respond well to this treatment approach, which can result in long-term survival for some individuals.
Pericardial Mesothelioma: Most patients with this form of the disease have a median survival time of 2 to 6 months. Due to the difficulty of treating tumors near the heart, treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms rather than extending life expectancy.
Testicular Mesothelioma: Approximately one-third of patients diagnosed with testicular mesothelioma survive for 10 years or more. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumors, and some patients may also benefit from chemotherapy to prevent recurrence.
Commonly Asked Questions About Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is extremely rare, accounting for only 0.16% of all cancers. Approximately 3,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, treatments can extend life expectancy and improve the quality of life.
Yes, mesothelioma can go into remission, especially in cases where patients receive early treatment or participate in clinical trials.
Mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs or other organs, while lung cancer originates within the lung tissue itself.