Mesothelioma, or malignant mesothelioma, is a rare, aggressive, asbestos-related cancer. Tumors form in the mesothelium, a thin membrane lining your lungs, heart, belly and testes. The most common type, pleural mesothelioma, affects the lung’s lining. Surgery, immunotherapy, chemo and radiation are common treatments.
Learn more about mesothelioma, asbestos and the steps you can take to fight this disease.
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, or 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.
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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, or 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.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer, with only about 3,000 diagnoses in the U.S. each year. It develops in the smooth lining that protects your body’s cavities and vital internal organs called the mesothelium.
Mesothelioma may develop in the lining around the lungs, abdomen or heart.
There are 4 types of mesothelioma, each forming on the lining of organs in different areas of your body. The most commonly affected areas are the lining of the lungs and chest wall. But mesothelioma can also affect the linings of your abdomen, heart and testes.
While its latency period, or how long it takes to develop, is very long at about 20 to 60 years, once diagnosed, it can be a fast-growing and invasive cancer. Most mesothelioma is malignant (cancerous), but some rare forms are benign (noncancerous).
Key Points About Malignant Mesothelioma
Incidence: Doctors diagnose about 3,000 new mesothelioma cases each year.
Primary cause: Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma.
Latency period: Latency period is 20 to 60 years before symptoms appear.
Demographics: Mostly diagnosed in men who are older than 65.
Prognosis snapshot: Prognosis is poor with a 5-year median survival of about 12 months.
Treatment options, outlook and life expectancy can vary among the different mesothelioma types. Early diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma is crucial, allowing you to start treatment sooner and have more therapy options. While there isn’t a cure, there is hope as new treatments like surgery, chemo and immunotherapy can help you manage the disease and feel better.
Survivor Story
Kim Madril: My Experience Facing Mesothelioma
My name is Kim Madril, and I’m 62 years old. I was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, in July of 2019, and I am a mesothelioma survivor.
I woke up one early morning at 3 a.m.
And I had this sharp shooting pain on the left side. And so my PCP finally said, Kim, let’s just get CAT scan. Okay?
And it was July of 2019 when I was definitively diagnosed.
I did run marathons. I was active. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.
It just didn’t seem real.
I think my mom having lost her husband at 55, you know. I think she thought, oh my gosh. Am I gonna lose my kid?
My surgery ended up being about 8 hours.
When I woke up, I remember thinking, I made it.
I made it. And, really, after that, I thought okay, you’re gonna be fine, Kim. You’re gonna be fine.
My advice for anyone currently battling mesothelioma is to be well educated. Know that there are resources out there that you’re not really alone. You really aren’t, even if you don’t have a husband, a wife, a partner, or children, or siblings.
There are people out there that will help you. Seek them out.
Types of Mesothelioma
There are 4 main types of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may form in the lining around the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), heart (pericardium) and testes (tunica vaginalis).
Pleural mesothelioma: The most common type, it accounts for 70% to 79% of all cases. It forms in the pleura, the lining around the outside of the lungs. Doctors use immunotherapy, surgery and chemo to treat it.
Peritoneal mesothelioma: The second most common type, it forms in the abdominal lining, known as the peritoneum. It has a much higher survival rate and surgery often works better for this type than others.
Pericardial mesothelioma: This very rare type affects about 1% of patients. Tumors form on the heart’s lining, making treatment options more limited. The median survival is 2 to 6 months.
Testicular mesothelioma: This is the rarest mesothelioma type. Tumors form on the tunica vaginalis. While treatment options are much more limited, the prognosis and survival are better for this type. About one-third of patients live at least 10 years. A common symptom is a mass on either or both testes.
Sometimes, people with one type of mesothelioma may get another type as the tumors spread. And some types, like pleural and pericardial mesothelioma, share symptoms such as chest pain and shortness of breath.
Your First Step After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis
“After reading the guide, I felt more confident about what was ahead.” – Carla F., mesothelioma survivor
The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include fatigue, weight loss and fever. Symptoms vary based on where mesothelioma tumors form in your body. It usually takes 20 to 60 years after you were exposed to asbestos for symptoms to appear.
Most Common Mesothelioma Symptoms by Type
Symptom
Pleural
Peritoneal
Abdominal pain or swelling
X
Chest pain or painful breathing
X
X
Cough
X
X
Difficulty breathing
X
X
Fatigue
X
X
Fever or night sweats
X
X
Loss of appetite
X
X
Muscle weakness
X
X
Unexplained weight loss
X
X
Wheezing
X
X
These symptoms can be unclear and look like other, less serious issues. Don’t ignore these symptoms, especially if they are persistent. If you experience these symptoms and have had previous asbestos exposure, you should see a specialist for help. Early diagnosis is crucial because it may improve your outlook and help you live longer.
Experience From a 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
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Asbestos exposurecauses mesothelioma. People can breathe in microscopic asbestos fibers from damaged products. 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 commonly used in construction, shipbuilding and military work. Exposure to asbestos is linked to most mesothelioma cases. It often harmed people who never knew they were at risk.
Experience From a Mesothelioma Survivor
I would go down there with [my father], 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.
Carla Fasolo, pleural mesothelioma survivor
Who Is Most at Risk of Mesothelioma?
People who are regularly exposed to asbestos in the workplace and the military are most at risk for mesothelioma. No amount of asbestos exposure is considered safe.
People who live near asbestos mines or other contaminated sites can also be at risk of exposure. And living with someone who works with asbestos is also a risk factor. Tiny asbestos fibers can be carried home on clothes, skin and hair and cause what’s known as secondhand exposure.
Other Less Common Risk Factors: While asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor, these can also be risk factors: family history, gender, age and overall health. Smoking isn’t a risk factor for mesothelioma, but it can increase the risk of asbestos-related lung cancer.
When to See a Mesothelioma Specialist
If any of these risk factors apply to you or a loved one, talk to your doctor about mesothelioma screenings. Tests like X-rays can help catch mesothelioma early. Tell your doctor about your exposure and ask how frequently you should be screened.
Diagnosing and Staging Mesothelioma
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma using a combination of tests, such as a physical exam and biopsy. It’s a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms can look a lot like other, more common illnesses. This can sometimes lead to a misdiagnosis.
A diagnosis confirms details such as your cancer type and stage or how far your cancer has progressed. These details help your doctor create the best personalized treatment plan for you.
Methods for Diagnosing Mesothelioma
Physical examination: Doctors check for lumps or other unusual signs. Then they use lung function tests to check your lung health.
Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and PET scans help doctors see possible abnormalities in your body.
Blood tests: Doctors check for specific proteins or biomarkers in your blood. These can help indicate cancer and if it may be mesothelioma.
Biopsy: This is the definitive way doctors diagnose mesothelioma. Pathologists take a small sample of tissue and examine it under a microscope for cancer cells. Doctors may also drain fluid to test for cancer cells.
Pathologists also check to see what mesothelioma cell types may be present. Cell types include epithelioid and sarcomatoid, or a mix of the two known as biphasic. Each cell type can respond differently to therapies. Knowing your cell type helps your doctor pick the best treatment plan for you.
In 2025, the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommended genetic testing for mesothelioma. It can show mutations that impact treatment and outcomes. For example, patients with a BAP1 mutation live longer with chemotherapy.
Staging Mesothelioma
The stages of mesothelioma describe how far your cancer has progressed, specifically tumor size, distance from the point of origin and location. As tumors grow and spread to distant organs, the stages advance. Stages 1 and 2 are early stages, and stages 3 and 4 are late stages.
Percent of Patients Diagnosed by Stage and Gender
% 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
Only pleural mesothelioma has a formal staging system. Doctors use the TNM system, which stands for Tumor, Node and Metastasis. The stage of your cancer can affect the treatment options your doctor will recommend for you. Unfortunately, more than 70% of patients are diagnosed in the later stages, often limiting their treatment options.
How Is Mesothelioma Treated?
Update 2025: Changes to Treatment Guidelines
In 2025, ASCO created new guidelines for surgery, specifically for pleural mesothelioma patients. ASCO guidelines recommend chemo alone versus a multimodal approach of combining chemo and surgery. However, your doctor will determine the best treatment for your case.
Doctors treat mesothelioma using surgery, chemo, radiation and immunotherapy. The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends treatment guidelines and updates them every year. Your treatment options and successful outcomes can vary depending on your mesothelioma type stage and overall health.
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 treatment plan may change if it isn’t showing results for you. Pleural mesothelioma survivor Wally Rogers, for example, tells us chemo wasn’t working for him so his doctor recommended immunotherapy. His CT scans showed no remaining tumor cells after immunotherapy. Wally says, “I want to be around for my family. We’re enjoying this life extension.”
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.
Our exclusive 2025 survey shows chemo is the most common treatment among patients.
Mesothelioma Prognosis
The outlook or prognosis for mesothelioma is generally poor, but it improves with treatment. Mesothelioma statistics from the American Cancer Society show the 5-year survival rate for people with pleural mesothelioma is 7% to 22%. The 5-year survival rate for people with the peritoneal type is 65%. The average life expectancy for mesothelioma, including all types, is about 12 months.
Pleural Mesothelioma (5-year Survival Rate)
7% to 22%
Peritoneal Mesothelioma (5-year Survival Rate)
65%
These mesothelioma statistics don’t take all of the factors that can impact your specific case into account. Survival rates are based on the overall population and cancer spread. Your type of mesothelioma, age, overall health and how well your mesothelioma responds to your tailored treatment plan and other factors can affect your personal outlook.
Treatment and a healthy lifestyle may lead to partial remission. Vaccines can also help prevent serious lung infections that can impact your health. Talk to your doctor about ways to boost your prognosis.
Find a Specialist Near You
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Limiting your exposure to asbestos can reduce your risk of mesothelioma. This includes taking steps at home and at work to avoid contact with asbestos fibers. If you suspect asbestos is in your home, never try to remove it yourself. Instead, hire a licensed professional who is trained in safe asbestos removal.
Occupational exposure to asbestos is the No.1 risk factor for mesothelioma. Workplaces that handle asbestos must follow strict federal, state and local safety regulations to prevent worker injury. They must also train workers in how to follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines for their protection. Because mesothelioma is incurable, preventing mesothelioma is critical.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Mesothelioma
Hire licensed asbestos professionals to handle any suspected materials
Quit smoking to reduce your risk of asbestos-related lung cancer
Remove work clothes before going home and shower right after to reduce your family’s risk of secondhand exposure
Report unsafe working conditions or missing protective equipment to your supervisor or union representative
Tell your doctor if you’ve been exposed to asbestos so they can monitor your health
Wear protective gear such as respirators, gloves, and coveralls when near asbestos
Ultimately, avoiding any asbestos exposure is the best preventative measure. Protecting yourself and others requires awareness and action. Speaking up and following safety guidelines can help reduce the risk of mesothelioma for you and those around you.
For those who may have been exposed in the past when unsafe working conditions were common and the public wasn’t aware of the dangers of asbestos products, talk to your doctor about your exposure history and mesothelioma screenings. Report any symptoms you may experience to your doctor right away.
Living with a rare cancer, such as mesothelioma, can be tough for patients and their caregivers. It’s normal to worry and feel stressed about how to move ahead.
Your Recommended Next Steps
Seek treatment from a mesothelioma specialist.
Explore clinical trials. They might improve your prognosis.
Adopt a healthier lifestyle. Simple exercises and a balanced diet can ease your side effects. They can boost your mood while you undergo cancer treatment.
Join a support group. It can help reduce anxiety, distress, fatigue and pain.
Financial help covers medical costs. Asbestos trust funds also provide compensation.
Veterans can access the VA for care and benefits. The VA also offers caregiver benefits and more.
Focus on getting excellent treatment. You can empower your family with knowledge, resources and hope. Peritoneal survivor 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.”
Connect with a Patient Advocate
Our Patient Advocates help patients and loved ones find the best doctors, access financial aid and join free support groups.
Yes, some mesothelioma patients experience remission. Remission may be partial or complete.
Is mesothelioma curable?
Mesothelioma isn’t considered curable. But treatments such as surgery, chemo and newer immunotherapies can help people live longer and with better quality of life. Clinical trials continue to test promising new options.
How do you get mesothelioma?
You can get mesothelioma from asbestos exposure. Most people are exposed at work, especially in blue-collar jobs like construction.
How long can you live with mesothelioma?
Most people with mesothelioma live 1 to 2 years after diagnosis. But an early diagnosis and treatment may extend life expectancy.
How is mesothelioma different from lung cancer?
Mesothelioma is different from lung cancer because mesothelioma grows in the pleura, also known as the lining of the lungs. Lung cancer develops in the lung tissue. Each type of cancer requires different treatments.
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Asbestos.com is the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
About The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com
Assisting mesothelioma patients and their loved ones since 2006.
Helps more than 50% of mesothelioma patients diagnosed annually in the U.S.
A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
5-star reviewed mesothelioma and support organization.
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.
Professional Contributors Featured In This Article
We Thoroughly vet individuals who are experts in their field to contribute to articles on Asbestos.com. We believe in the integrity and quality of our educational materials, and only publish information that is relevant, factual, and backed by experts.
Dr. Jacques Fontaine is a thoracic surgeon at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, where he heads up the Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center. He specializes in minimally invasive robotic surgery and aggressive surgeries for mesothelioma.
Fact-checked and verified content:
Our fact-checking process begins with a thorough review of all sources to ensure they are high quality. Then we cross-check the facts with original medical or scientific reports published by those sources, or we validate the facts with reputable news organizations, medical and scientific experts and other health experts. Each page includes all sources for full transparency.
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