This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science
This page was updated on July 20, 2022.
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the lining of the body’s internal organs, called the mesothelium. Up to 80 percent of mesotheliomas begin in the lining of the lungs and are called pleural mesothelioma. Other forms of the disease are found in tissues surrounding the abdomen, in the lining of the heart and in the lining of the testicles.
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, around 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year.
Treating mesothelioma tumors is historically difficult, although combinations of certain therapies have shown promise. At City of Hope, we offer a variety of treatment options to fight the disease, as well as a wide range of supportive care therapies to help you manage your side effects.
This overview will cover the basic facts about mesothelioma, including:
If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma and want to schedule an appointment for diagnostic testing, or if you’re interested in a second opinion on your mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment plan, call us or chat online with a member of our team.
Age is a risk factor for mesothelioma, with most people developing the disease later in life, but the major risk factor for this type of cancer is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was found to have many useful industrial applications. It’s now known that asbestos exposure is harmful and linked to several types of cancer, most commonly mesothelioma. Researchers are working to learn more about which asbestos fibers cause cancer, how they cause it, and what levels may be considered safe.
Here are some facts about common risk factors for mesothelioma:
Men develop mesothelioma more often than women do, and the risk for the disease increases with age. The most critical risk factor is exposure to asbestos.
Today, the risk of exposure for workers in the manufacturing industry is much less because asbestos, by and large, is no longer used in the United States. Although the use of asbestos has decreased dramatically since the late 1980s, asbestos may still be found in older buildings and products.
"When I first heard the diagnosis, I was scared. There is no way to avoid the worst thoughts and fears when you hear this news. But with the help of my wife and the support of City of Hope, I was able to think things through, steady myself for the road ahead, and keep going."
The types of mesothelioma are named for the cavities in which mesothelioma cancer cells develop. The types are:
Mesothelioma tumors can contain epithelioid cells or sarcomatoid cells, or they can be biphasic (containing both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells). The sarcomatoid mesothelioma cell type is the most resistant to treatment.
The symptoms associated with malignant pleural mesothelioma tumors may be similar to lung cancer and other conditions affecting the lungs or chest. Pleural effusion, a complication of the disease, is the buildup of fluid in the chest. It may cause difficulty breathing.
Other common signs of pleural mesothelioma include:
Common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
Pericardial and testicular mesotheliomas are very rare. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to those for other heart conditions, such as heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, murmurs, night sweats and chest pain. One known symptom of testicular mesothelioma is hydrocele, which is a buildup of fluid in the scrotum.
Evaluations performed for a mesothelioma diagnosis may include:
According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for malignant pleural mesothelioma ranges from around 7 percent for cancer that has spread to distant parts of the body to around 18 percent for cancer that has not spread beyond the pleura. Mesothelioma is often a hard type of cancer to treat because it usually spreads along surfaces instead of growing as a single tumor mass like many other cancers.
Treatment options for mesothelioma include:
The stage, tumor location and cell type all contribute to a patient’s mesothelium prognosis and life expectancy.
At City of Hope, our cancer experts target mesothelioma with a variety of therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. They also stay up to date on new and emerging treatments and technologies, allowing us to help you make informed decisions about the options available to treat not just the disease but the side effects that may result. Having a team of mesothelioma experts collaborating daily, all under one roof, allows us to assemble a detailed treatment plan more quickly and efficiently.
Mesothelioma patients may experience side effects, either from the disease or its treatments. These may include fatigue, skin reactions, nausea and neuropathy. Our supportive care clinicians help you manage these challenges, so you’re better able to stay on your treatment regimen without interruption and get back to your life.
If your cancer has spread or comes back after treatment is complete, a disease called recurrent cancer, your treatment goals may include supportive care therapies designed to reduce pain and other symptoms from the cancer.
Supportive care therapies that may be recommended to help mesothelioma patients stay strong and maintain their quality of life include:
