What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that starts in mesothelial cells, which make up the lining around certain body parts. Also known as malignant mesothelioma, this cancer usually occurs in people exposed to asbestos, but symptoms may not develop until 10-50 years later.
The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissue in the lining of the lungs. But the cancer can develop in other areas of the body, too. There are only about 3,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year in the United States.
Types of mesothelioma
There are four main types of mesothelioma—based on where in the body the cancer first starts to form. Pleural mesothelioma makes up more than 80% of all mesothelioma cases. Mesothelioma can also develop in the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen), pericardium (the lining of the heart) or the lining of the testicles.
What are mesothelioma symptoms?
Mesothelioma symptoms can vary depending on where in the body the cancer starts to grow, and it may take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. At first, your symptoms may be similar to other common conditions, like flu or pneumonia. One common symptom of mesothelioma is pleural effusion, fluid buildup in the pleural lining of the chest. You may also have symptoms that affect the whole body, such as fatigue.
Common mesothelioma symptoms
As mesothelioma starts to grow, it can affect nearby organs, causing many different symptoms:
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Fluid around the lungs, abdomen, heart or testicles
- Chest, back, rib, abdomen or testicular pain
- Dry cough and hoarseness
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Fatigue
- Digestive problems
- Swelling in the face, arms or legs
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
When to see a doctor
Mesothelioma risk factors
Knowing your risk of mesothelioma and its symptoms means that you and your healthcare team can be proactive in detecting any signs of the disease. While some risk factors may be out of your control, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
If you’re having any symptoms of mesothelioma, especially if you’ve been exposed to asbestos, your doctor has several tools to help diagnose your condition. You’ll likely have imaging or blood tests to give your team more information. A biopsy will take tissue samples to diagnose mesothelioma.
If mesothelioma is found through your biopsy, your care team will also classify your condition based on the specific type of cells involved. The most common cell type in mesothelioma is epithelioid cells—found in about 70% of cases. Another less common type is sarcomatoid cells. If you have both types of cells, it’s called biphasic mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma stages
When you're diagnosed with mesothelioma, your care team will place your cancer into one of four stages. Your cancer stage is important in your mesothelioma care because it helps you and your team make informed choices about the right treatment options for you. Stages 1 and 2 are considered early-stage cancer. Stages 3 and 4 are more advanced.
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 2 mesothelioma has spread into nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Sometimes, surgery is still an option.
Stage 3
Stage 4
Mesothelioma causes
Mesothelioma occurs when abnormal cells in the lining of the lungs, heart, abdomen or testes start to grow rapidly. We don’t fully understand why this happens with mesothelioma, but doctors know some factors that may put you more at risk.
The majority of mesothelioma cases—about 80% —are linked to asbestos exposure. But other factors like your environment, health history, lifestyle or genetics could also play a role in causing mesothelioma.
Treatment for mesothelioma
When it comes to treatment for mesothelioma, this rare type of cancer requires a specialized, team approach. You may visit multiple doctors who will work together to create a plan for your needs and specific stage of cancer.
Surgery is a standard treatment option in the earlier stages of mesothelioma. Your treatment could also include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, pain management or palliative care. Often, you’ll have a combination of treatments.
Frequently asked questions
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