Key Takeaways
- Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. There are four types: pleural (lungs, ~75% of cases), peritoneal (abdomen, ~20%), pericardial (heart, ~1%), and testicular (less than 1%).
- Approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the United States. Globally, the UK sees over 2,700 cases and Australia sees 700–800 annually.
- Pennsylvania is among the states with the highest mesothelioma incidence rates in the country, alongside New York, Florida, and California.
- Mesothelioma is caused exclusively by asbestos exposure — through occupational contact (construction, insulation, electrical, welding, plumbing, auto repair), environmental exposure, or secondhand exposure from a family member’s contaminated work clothes.
- Symptoms vary by type but can include persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest or abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, nausea, heart irregularities, and unexplained weight loss.
Mesothelioma is a rare disease that can really take a toll on a person, both physically and mentally. In this article I will explain some facts about mesothelioma in order to inform you of some things that you might not already know. Although it is a rare form of cancer, its prognosis is poor, so it is vital to learn about some facts about mesothelioma as well as some warning signs and symptoms.
Types of Mesothelioma
There are four types of mesothelioma.
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Pericardial mesothelioma
- Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis
Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common type of mesothelioma, as it affects about 75% of all victims. It begins in the lining of the lungs, or the pleura. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the side of the chest or lower back
- Trouble swallowing
- Swelling of the face and arms
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common form of mesothelioma, affecting approximately 20% or less of all patients. It begins in the abdominal cavity. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Swelling or fluid in the abdomen
- Pain in the abdomen
Pericardial mesothelioma begins in the cells that line the heart and is very rare. It affects around 1% of all mesothelioma patients. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma are:
- Shortness of breath
- Heart murmur
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Pain in the chest
The final type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis. It is exceedingly rare, affecting less than 1% of all mesothelioma victims.
How Many People Get Mesothelioma Each Year?
In the United States
- Around 3,000 people per year
In the UK
- Over 2,700 people per year
In Australia
- Between 700 and 800 people each year
What States in the US Have Some of The Highest Incidence Rates of Mesothelioma?
- Pennsylvania
- New York
- Florida
- California
How Do You Get Mesothelioma?
One of the most important facts about mesothelioma is that it is only found to be developed through exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos exposure are occupational exposure, environmental exposure, and second-hand exposure.
Occupational Exposure
Common occupations associated with asbestos exposure include:
- Construction
- Insulation
- Electricians
- Painters
- Welders
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Auto mechanics
Environmental asbestos exposure is caused when asbestos is disturbed in a person’s surrounding environment and in turn they inhale it. This person would then be at risk of developing an asbestos-related disease. An example of secondhand exposure would be a loved one of someone who works with asbestos occupationally washing their clothes and getting exposed that way.
Although rare, it can be useful to know these facts about mesothelioma so that you are more informed about symptoms and causes. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with mesothelioma it is important to act right away so that the best treatment option can be utilized.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, please call us at 1 (800) 505-6000 or fill our our contact form for more information. We are here to help asbestos victims in Pennsylvania get the compensation they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four types of mesothelioma?
- Pleural mesothelioma — develops in the lining of the lungs. The most common type, affecting about 75% of all patients. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and facial/arm swelling.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma — develops in the abdominal cavity. Accounts for approximately 20% of cases. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal swelling, and abdominal pain.
- Pericardial mesothelioma — develops in the lining of the heart. Very rare, affecting about 1% of patients. Symptoms include shortness of breath, heart murmur, irregular heart rhythm, and chest pain.
- Testicular mesothelioma — develops in the membrane covering the testicles. Extremely rare, affecting less than 1% of patients.
How common is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is rare compared to other cancers, but it remains a significant public health concern:
- United States — approximately 3,000 new cases per year
- United Kingdom — over 2,700 cases per year
- Australia — 700–800 cases per year
The per-capita rates in the UK and Australia are notably higher than in the U.S., reflecting differences in industrial asbestos use and regulation timelines.
Which U.S. states have the highest mesothelioma rates?
States with some of the highest mesothelioma incidence rates include Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, and California. Pennsylvania’s high rate is driven by its concentration of asbestos-heavy industries — including steel mills in Pittsburgh and Bethlehem, the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, power plants, and the asbestos manufacturing legacy in Ambler, Montgomery County.
What causes mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. There are three main exposure pathways:
- Occupational exposure — workers in construction, insulation, electrical, welding, plumbing, carpentry, painting, and auto repair handled asbestos-containing materials directly
- Environmental exposure — living near asbestos deposits, processing facilities, or contaminated sites (like the BoRit Superfund site in Ambler, PA)
- Secondhand exposure — family members exposed to asbestos fibers brought home on a worker’s clothing, skin, or hair
What are the warning signs of mesothelioma?
Symptoms depend on the type of mesothelioma but can include:
- Pleural — persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest or lower back pain, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face and arms
- Peritoneal — abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, vomiting, constipation
- Pericardial — chest pain, shortness of breath, heart murmur, irregular heart rhythm
Because these symptoms overlap with many less serious conditions, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed initially. If you have a history of asbestos exposure and are experiencing any of these symptoms, inform your doctor immediately.
What should I do if I’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Pennsylvania?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, understanding your treatment options and legal rights is an important first step. Pennsylvania’s high incidence rate means there are established legal pathways for residents to pursue compensation. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.
