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Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops when asbestos fibers lodge in the thin layer of tissue around certain organs, most often the lungs. It can also affect the abdomen, heart and testes, though these types are less common. While there is no cure yet, early diagnosis and treatments like surgery, immunotherapy and chemotherapy can improve outcomes.

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Quick Answers

Top Questions We Get Asked

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, most often around the lungs or abdomen.

What causes mesothelioma?

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause. Fibers can remain in the body for decades before cancer develops.

Can mesothelioma be treated?

Yes. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery and radiation can extend survival and improve quality of life.

What should I know about life expectancy?

Survival varies by type, stage, cell type and treatment. Individual outcomes can differ significantly from averages.

Our Take

“I’ve spoken to many mesothelioma patients that have been in your shoes that you’re in today, and I still keep in touch with them 10 years later. What frustrates me the most, and I hear this almost every time I have a new patient that calls me or I speak to, ‘I just saw my doctor today, and they said… the average life expectancy is 12 to 16 months.’ Every patient is different. Until they know the stage, the cell type and how the patient’s going to respond to their treatment, they have no idea what their life expectancy is. So I always encourage patients to know: You’re an individual. This is your story, and let’s make the most of your story.”

- Karen Selby, registered nurse and Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center

What Is Mesothelioma?

Expert Insights

What Is Mesothelioma?

Thoracic surgeon Dr. Andrea Wolf explains where mesothelioma begins and how it differs from cancers that spread to the lining of the lung.

1:20

[MUSIC PLAYING] Mesothelioma is a primary cancer of the lining of the lung and chest wall. So the pleura is the lining of the chest wall and lung. In a healthy person, it’s like a cellophane wrap around the chest wall, the middle compartment of the chest where the sac around the heart is, the diaphragm that separates the chest and the abdomen, and the entire surface of the lung, deep into the crevices of each of the individual sections. In mesothelioma, that cellophane becomes thickened with tumor, almost like a blanket. Now this differs from other cancers that go to that lining. In fact, it is even more common for people to get other cancers such as breast, lung, or other organs that go to the lining of the lung. That’s considered metastatic, meaning cancer going from one location to another part of the body or another organ. And so mesothelioma is when the cancer starts in the pleura or that lining. [MUSIC PLAYING]


Overview

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers become trapped in the mesothelium, the protective tissue lining your organs. These fibers cause chronic inflammation and DNA damage, transforming normal cells into cancer. Early diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan from a mesothelioma specialist can significantly improve survival.

Mesothelioma patients are living longer than before, and long-term survivors Kim Madril, Tamron Little and Michael Cole show what’s possible with specialized care and advanced treatment. Early diagnosis is critical because it can provide more treatment options and lead to better outcomes.

Kim, who was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2019, shared with us the joy she felt being there for important moments and feeling better with treatment. She said, “I saw my kid graduate from high school. I’m so glad that I’m not suffering like I did initially…You’re almost grateful for what you have. I’m grateful that I am still here. I am so happy that I’m still here. Embrace the moment.”

Graphic showing where mesothelioma develops in the body.
Mesothelioma may develop in the lining around the lungs, abdomen or heart.

Doctor’s Insights

“Mesothelioma is a primary cancer of the lining of the lung [pleura] and chest wall. In a healthy person, it’s like a cellophane wrap around the chest wall, the middle compartment of the chest where the sac around the heart is, the diaphragm that separates the chest and the abdomen, and the entire surface of the lung, deep into the crevices of each of the individual sections. In mesothelioma, that cellophane becomes thickened with tumor, almost like a blanket.”

- Dr. Andrea Wolf, director of the Women’s Lung Cancer Program at Mount Sinai

Michael Cole, Mesothelioma Survivor

“My story begins at the end of April 2015, when I went to my general practitioner’s office because of a cough and an unusual lack of energy. I thought maybe I was coming down with a case of pneumonia.”

— Michael Cole, Pleural mesothelioma survivor

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Types

Types of Mesothelioma

There are 4 main types of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma forms in the lining around the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), heart (pericardium) or testes (tunica vaginalis).

Pleural

Lining of the lungs

70% to 79% of all cases

5-Year Survival Rate: 7% to 22%

Peritoneal

Lining of the abdomen

10% to 30% of all cases

5-Year Survival Rate: 65%

Pericardial

Lining of the heart

~1% of all cases

5-Year Survival Rate: 9%

Testicular

Lining of the testes

< 1% of all cases

5-Year Survival Rate: 49%

Mesothelioma can spread from one location to another as it progresses. In rare cases, a person may develop both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural and pericardial types often share symptoms like chest pain and difficulty breathing, which can complicate diagnosis.

Learn more about the types of mesothelioma

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Symptoms

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include fatigue, weight loss and fever. These symptoms develop slowly and often resemble common respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, making early diagnosis difficult. If you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience persistent symptoms, see a mesothelioma specialist immediately.

Most Common Mesothelioma Symptoms by Type

Mesothelioma Type Common Symptoms
Pleural Hoarseness, difficulty swallowing
Pericardial Heart palpitations
Pleural Pericardial Shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, persistent dry cough
Peritoneal Abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
Testicular Testicular mass or swelling
All Types Fatigue or weakness, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fever or night sweats, fluid buildup

Causes

What Is the Main Cause of Mesothelioma?

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. When people inhale or ingest microscopic asbestos fibers, the fibers become trapped in the mesothelium, the protective lining of organs. As Dr. Marcelo DaSilva, chief of thoracic surgery at AdventHealth Cancer Institute, explains, these inhaled fibers lead to inflammation, which can then cause cancer to develop.

Dr. DaSilva tells us, asbestos “causes chronic inflammation in the mesothelium. This can lead to genetic changes.” As this inflammation causes DNA changes in the cells, they can become mesothelioma cancer cells.

Asbestos is a toxic mineral once widely used in construction, shipbuilding, military equipment and industrial products. It was even used in consumer products like stoves, oven mitts, ironing board covers and hairdryers. Most people with mesothelioma were exposed decades ago and it takes decades after initial asbestos exposure for symptoms to develop.

Who Is Most at Risk?

People with occupational asbestos exposure face the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Workers in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing and the military were regularly exposed before asbestos regulations took effect in the 1970s and 1980s.

Family members and people living near asbestos sites also face elevated risk. Secondhand exposure happens when workers bring asbestos fibers home on clothing, skin or hair. Family members who greeted workers when they came home from work or laundered work clothes also faced significant exposure.

“It started with me going down to the Oneida County Courthouse in Utica, New York, with my dad,” pleural mesothelioma survivor Carla Fasolo remembers about her asbestos exposure. “I would go down there with him, and it was very dusty in the boiler room. There would be chunks of gray, fibrous stuff down there. I didn’t know what it was, but I’d pick it up and play with it.”

Auto mechanics

Brake and clutch work released asbestos fibers.

Construction & building trades

Electrical work, insulation installation, wiring, boilers and plumbing often involved asbestos-containing materials.

Industrial workers

Manufacturers produced asbestos products, handled the material directly and used asbestos throughout their facilities.

Shipyard workers & Navy veterans

The military used asbestos extensively in ships and submarines, base facilities and military housing.

Environmental Exposure and Genetic Risk Factors

Environmental exposure affects people living near asbestos mines, processing plants or contaminated sites. Communities near vermiculite mines in Libby, Montana, as well as shipyards in port cities experienced elevated mesothelioma rates even among residents who never worked with asbestos directly.

No amount of asbestos exposure is considered safe. Even brief or low-level exposure can cause mesothelioma decades later.

Smoking doesn’t cause mesothelioma but significantly increases the risk of asbestos-related lung cancer. While asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, family history and genetic mutations (like BAP1) may increase susceptibility.

If You’ve Been Exposed to Asbestos

Talk to your doctor about screening if you worked in high-risk occupations, served in the military (especially the Navy), lived with someone who worked with asbestos or have a family history of mesothelioma. Screening options include chest X-rays, low-dose CT scans and regular monitoring for early detection. Mesothelioma requires care from medical oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists and radiation oncologists.

Learn about top mesothelioma doctors

Related News

Mesothelioma in Younger Patients: Doctors Want to Know Why

A new study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is raising questions about who develops mesothelioma and why. Researchers identified 273 patients with pleural mesothelioma diagnosed at or under the……

Travis Rodgers
04/20/2026

mesothelioma support group

Diagnosis

Diagnosing and Staging Mesothelioma

Confirming a mesothelioma diagnosis requires multiple tests and expert analysis. Doctors use imaging scans, blood tests and biopsies to identify cancer cells and determine how far the disease has spread. A biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose mesothelioma. Imaging and blood tests alone can’t confirm cancer.

If you have a history of asbestos exposure, tell your doctor immediately. This information helps them order the right diagnostic tests and avoid delays. Many patients are initially misdiagnosed with pneumonia, bronchitis or COPD because early symptoms overlap with common respiratory conditions.

Your diagnosis identifies three critical factors: tumor location, your specific mesothelioma cell type and how far cancer has spread or the stage. These details determine your treatment options and outlook. Cell type significantly impacts which treatment is most likely to be effective for you. Epithelioid mesothelioma patients may be more likely to be eligible for pleural surgery, for example. Sarcomatoid and biphasic patients may have more pronounced responses to immunotherapy.

As of 2025, the American Society of Clinical Oncology now recommends genetic testing for mesothelioma. Testing identifies BAP1 gene mutations, found in 20% to 25% of patients. Research shows patients with BAP1 mutations respond better to chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with improved survival outcomes.

Tests to Diagnose Mesothelioma

Physical Examination & Medical History

Checks for lumps, fluid buildup and asbestos exposure history

Imaging Tests

Chest X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans reveal abnormalities and tumor locations

Blood Tests

Detect biomarkers like SMRP, fibulin-3 and osteopontin (elevated levels suggest mesothelioma)

Biopsy

The only definitive diagnostic test. Pathologists examine tissue samples under a microscope to confirm cancer cells.

Cell Type Treatment Comparison

Cell Type Prevalence Median Survival Treatment Response
Epithelioid 50% to 70% of cases 14 to 24 months Best response
Sarcomatoid 10% to 20% of cases 8 to 12 months Limited response
Biphasic 20% to 30% of cases 10 to 13 months Variable

Mesothelioma Stages

Mesothelioma staging describes how far the cancer has spread. Stages 1 and 2 are early stages, and stages 3 and 4 are late stages. Early stages offer more treatment options, while advanced stages offer fewer.

T

Tumor size and extent (T1 to T4)

N

Lymph node involvement (N0 to N3)

M

Metastasis to distant organs (M0 or M1)

Your stage determines which treatments you’re eligible for, including curative-intent surgery for early-stage disease. Unfortunately, more than 70% of patients are diagnosed at stage 3 or 4, which limits treatment options. This is why screening is critical for anyone with asbestos exposure history.

Percent of Patients Diagnosed by Stage and Gender

Stage % of Total Diagnosed % of Men % of Women
Stage 1 18% 18% 24%
Stage 2 11% 11% 12%
Stage 3 23% 23% 20%
Stage 4 48% 48% 44%

Source: The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com, 2025

Treatment

How Is Mesothelioma Treated?

Mesothelioma is treated with chemo, immunotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy, often used in combination for better outcomes. While mesothelioma can’t be cured, these treatments can extend survival, reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Treatment decisions should be individualized for each patient. Your mesothelioma specialist will determine the best approach based on your specific case. As Dr. Raja Flores, chairman of thoracic surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York tells us, “You treat the person in front of you.” He emphasizes drawing on the latest data and years of experience treating mesothelioma, but says personalized care for each patient is key.

Primary Treatment Choice

Chemotherapy
31% of Patients
Immunotherapy
23% of Patients
Surgery
19% of Patients
Radiation
13% of Patients
Other treatments
27% of Patients

Source: The Mesothelioma Center’s 2025 Survivor & Caregiver Survey

Our exclusive 2025 survey shows chemo is the most common treatment among patients.

Common Treatment Options

Our 2025 survey of mesothelioma patients and their caregivers found 31% chose chemo as their primary treatment, 23% chose immunotherapy and about 19% chose surgery. Nearly 27% reported using other treatment options.

Chemotherapy

Kills cancer cells throughout the body

Immunotherapy

FDA-approved for pleural mesothelioma

Surgery

Removes tumors and affected tissue (pleurectomy/decortication, HIPEC)

Radiation therapy

Targets localized tumors

Multimodal therapy

Combines multiple treatments for better results

Palliative care

Manages symptoms and improves quality of life

Peritoneal mesothelioma survivor Tamron Little shares with us her personal story of success with cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC. She tells us, “Studies show HIPEC drastically improves life expectancy in about 50% of the peritoneal mesothelioma patients who have the procedure. It definitely worked in my favor and was a success!”

Your Mesothelioma Treatment Team

Mesothelioma treatment requires coordination between multiple specialists working as a team. This multidisciplinary approach is essential for developing a comprehensive and effective treatment plan tailored to the complex needs of each patient.

Thoracic surgeons

Thoracic surgeons perform procedures like pleurectomy/decortication and HIPEC. Top mesothelioma surgeons include Dr. Jacques Fontaine at Moffitt Cancer Center, Dr. Andrea Wolf of Mount Sinai’s New York Mesothelioma Program and Dr. Marcelo DaSilva at AdventHealth.

Medical oncologists

Medical oncologists manage chemo and immunotherapy protocols to slow tumor growth. Specialists like Dr. Hedy Kindler, associate vice chair for clinical research at University of Chicago Medicine, work closely with pulmonologists who treat breathing complications, drain pleural effusions and monitor lung function during treatment.

Radiation oncologists

Radiation oncologists like Dr. Rupesh Kotecha at Miami Cancer Institute deliver targeted radiation therapy to shrink tumors, control growth and relieve symptoms. Radiation is often combined with surgery or chemotherapy for stronger outcomes.

Palliative care specialists

Palliative care specialists manage pain, breathing difficulty and other symptoms throughout your treatment. Starting palliative care early improves quality of life, eases side effects and may extend survival.

Look for cancer centers with dedicated mesothelioma programs. These centers have specialists who collaborate on your case and typically achieve better outcomes than general hospitals. Centers that treat 50 or more mesothelioma patients annually have the most experience with this rare cancer.

Learn about mesothelioma treatment

Get to the Right Doctor, Faster

Connect with top-rated doctors specializing in mesothelioma treatment, who will personalize treatment options based on your diagnosis.

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Prognosis

How Long Can You Live With Mesothelioma?

Most people with mesothelioma live 12 to 18 months after diagnosis, but survival varies significantly by the type of mesothelioma you have, your treatment approach and the stage at which you are diagnosed. Early diagnosis and multimodal treatment can extend life expectancy.

According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for pleural mesothelioma is 7% to 22%. The 5-year survival rate for peritoneal mesothelioma is 65%. Peritoneal mesothelioma has significantly better survival outcomes, especially when treated with HIPEC surgery, which combines surgery with a gentle, heated chemotherapy.

Survival varies by stage at diagnosis. Early-stage patients have a better survival rate than late-stage patients.

Treatment and maintaining good nutrition and exercise may lead to partial remission. Vaccines can also help prevent serious lung infections that can impact your health. Managing co-existing conditions like diabetes or heart conditions are also critical. Talk to your doctor about ways to boost your mesothelioma prognosis.

Survival by Stage at Diagnosis

Stage Median Survival 5-Year Survival Rate
Stage 1 21 months 46%
Stage 2 19 months 30%
Stage 3 16 months 16%
Stage 4 12 months Less than 5%

Long-Term Survivors

While statistics show average outcomes, many patients exceed expectations. Some survivors have lived 10 to nearly 20 years beyond the life expectancies given after their mesothelioma diagnosis.

Epifanio Figueroa, peritoneal mesothelioma survivor

Epifanio Figueroa

Peritoneal survivor thriving nearly 10 years after HIPEC surgery

Kim Madril Mesothelioma Survivor

Kim Madril

Pleural survivor since 2019, enjoying life with her children after surgery and treatment

Mesothelioma survivor Michael Cole

Michael Cole

Pleural survivor since 2015, sharing his experiences to help fellow survivors

Tamron Little, peritoneal mesothelioma survivor

Tamron Little

Peritoneal survivor since 2007, advocating for survivors nearly 20 years after HIPEC

Your individual prognosis depends on mesothelioma type, stage at diagnosis, cell type, age and overall health. Talk to your mesothelioma specialist about personalized survival estimates and treatment options.

How Did Asbestos.com Support Mesothelioma Survivor Kim Madril and Her Friend After Her Mesothelioma Diagnosis?

Survivor Stories

How Did Asbestos.com Help Mesothelioma Survivor Kim Madril and Her Friend?

Missy Miller, Medical Outreach Director at Asbestos.com, explains how she helped Jeanette Mednicoff, a mesothelioma caregiver, and Kim Madril, a mesothelioma patient, get the help they needed.

1:19

Kim and her best friend Jeanette had gone to a specialist in Austin. That specialist had provided them my contact information to reach out for some financial help and some different resources that we offer at asbestos dot com. Jeanette her best friend actually reached out to me because she was trying to take some of the burden off of Kim, so that way Kim could focus on her cancer diagnosis. Jeanette and I were able to formulate a plan for Kim, and we were able to figure out that we needed to get her new insurance. So then that way, she could get the treatment that she wanted because she was a surgical candidate from one of the mesothelioma specialists. By dealing with Jeanette, we were able to actually take a lot of burden off Kim because she was a full time working nurse. She had two kids at home. She had a husband. She was completely overwhelmed with this whole cancer diagnosis. So me and Janette worked very closely together to come up with a proper plan for Kim. After we came up and established the plan, we then shared it with Kim, and then Jeanette actually put me in contact with Kim, and we were able to help her with her insurance needs. And then we were able to get her the to the assistance that she needed.


Next Steps

Your Next Steps After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

A mesothelioma diagnosis can feel overwhelming for patients and caregivers. Taking these specific actions now can improve your treatment outcomes, connect you with support and help you access financial resources. Our Patient Advocates are available to guide you through each of these steps at no cost.

Getting the Right Medical Care & Support

  1. Find a mesothelioma specialist

    General oncologists rarely treat this rare cancer. Specialists at experienced cancer centers have access to the latest treatments and clinical trials that may improve your prognosis.

  2. Get a second opinion

    Confirm your diagnosis, stage and cell type. A mesothelioma specialist can present treatment options you may not have considered.

  3. Explore clinical trials

    Many patients in clinical trials experience better outcomes than those receiving standard care alone.

  4. Join a support group

    Reduces anxiety and connects you with other patients navigating mesothelioma

  5. Adopt healthy habits

    Light exercise, a balanced diet and stress management improve quality of life during treatment

  6. Consider palliative care

    Helps manage symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment

  7. Access VA benefits

    VA medical centers offer specialized care, disability benefits and caregiver support

  8. Apply for financial assistance

    Asbestos trust funds provide compensation and mesothelioma lawyers help file claims with no upfront cost.

You can empower your family with knowledge, resources and hope. Tamron Little tells us more resources would have helped her when she was first diagnosed.

“I would have looked for different mesothelioma resources, aid or even support groups,” Tamron shares. “That would have helped me while I was battling the disease.”

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FAQs

Commonly Asked Questions About Mesothelioma

Yes, some mesothelioma patients achieve remission through treatment. Remission can be partial or complete. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients treated with HIPEC surgery have the highest remission rates, though ongoing monitoring is essential as mesothelioma can recur.

There is no cure for mesothelioma yet, but treatment advances are extending survival and improving quality of life for patients. Surgery, chemo and immunotherapy show significant benefits for patients.

Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Most people are exposed at work in occupations like construction, shipbuilding, plumbing and electrical work. Military veterans, especially Navy personnel who served before 1980, also face elevated risk. Inhaled asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissue of linings around organs and cause cancer decades after initial exposure.

Survival varies significantly by type and treatment. Peritoneal mesothelioma has a 65% 5-year survival rate with treatment, while pleural mesothelioma has a 7% to 22% 5-year survival rate. Individual factors like co-existing conditions and overall health also play a role in outcomes. Early diagnosis and specialist care can mean treatment begins sooner and there are more options that can extend life expectancy beyond these statistics.

Mesothelioma develops in the tissue lining around the lungs, while lung cancer grows in the lung tissue itself. They require different treatment approaches. Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma and can also cause asbestos-related lung cancer. But smoking causes roughly 80% of lung cancer cases.

Pleural mesothelioma typically causes shortness of breath and chest pain from fluid buildup. Peritoneal mesothelioma causes abdominal pain or swelling. Symptoms usually appear 20 to 60 years after asbestos exposure.

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