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Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, and choosing the right medical team is one of the most important decisions a patient and their family will make. Because mesothelioma is a rare...

The first thing most people want to know after a mesothelioma diagnosis is whether they have a case. The second thing is how much time they have to do something about it. Both questions matter, and...

Key Takeaways Cold storage facilities relied on asbestos for decades — in pipe insulation, refrigeration systems, compressors, boilers, gaskets, and fireproofing materials. Refrigeration technicians...

For many people diagnosed with mesothelioma, one of the most unexpected challenges is not just pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath, it is the way food suddenly changes. Meals that once brought...

Building inspectors play an important role in evaluating the safety, condition, and compliance of residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Whether assessing older homes, reviewing...

Restaurant owners have many responsibilities, from managing staff and serving customers to maintaining safe and functional facilities. However, one issue that is often overlooked involves the age and...

The Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Information Office is expanding access to educational resources and asbestos awareness throughout the Commonwealth with the opening of two new locations in State College...

Pennsylvania’s logging and lumber industries helped shape the state’s economy for generations. From the forests of northern Pennsylvania to the sawmills and manufacturing towns that...

For more than a century, Mack Trucks has been one of the most recognizable names in Allentown’s manufacturing history. The relationship between Mack Trucks and asbestos exposure in Allentown...

College towns are known for their energy, nightlife, historic neighborhoods, and affordable student housing. Across Pennsylvania and the United States, many students live in older apartments...

Few workplace and public health crises have shaped conversations surrounding corporate responsibility as significantly as asbestos. Once viewed as a valuable industrial material, asbestos was widely...

Mesothelioma advocates across the United States are calling for the creation of a national asbestos registry to better track exposure histories, improve early detection, and advance research into...

Water treatment plants play a critical role in protecting public health across Pennsylvania. Every day, these facilities process drinking water and wastewater for millions of residents, supporting...

Pennsylvania’s industrial history is deeply rooted in steel production, heavy manufacturing, and shipbuilding. Among the facilities that helped shape that legacy is Erie Forge & Steel in Erie...

Pennsylvania has long been at the center of America’s industrial growth, home to shipyards, steel mills, power plants, and manufacturing facilities that helped build the nation. But with that...

Mesothelioma is often described in medical terms, but what is actually happening inside the body when this disease develops?  Understanding the process can help patients and...

For much of the 20th century, asbestos was widely praised as a “miracle mineral.” It was durable, heat-resistant, and inexpensive making it a staple in industries like construction...

A mesothelioma diagnosis often comes with a wave of complex medical terms, tests, and decisions. Among the most important tools doctors use to understand this disease is the PET scan—a powerful...

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. While asbestos use has dramatically declined in the United States and other Western nations...

When most people think about asbestos exposure, they picture factories, shipyards, or construction sites. While these workplaces historically carried significant risks, asbestos exposure is not always...

For decades, asbestos was considered a miracle material, and if you’ve read some of our other blogs, you are aware of the way people perceive it. It was fireproof. Durable. Affordable. It was placed...

A mesothelioma diagnosis changes many aspects of daily life, but it does not automatically mean you have to stop living it.  Whether you are planning a short visit with family, attending a...

One of the first questions families ask after a mesothelioma diagnosis is simple, how long will this take?  When you are facing a serious illness, time matters. Medical bills are piling up. Treatment...

Gardening is often seen as a relaxing and healthy activity. Many Pennsylvania homeowners enjoy working in their yards, planting flowers, or growing vegetables. But for families living near older homes...

When discussing asbestos and other toxic substances, exposure does not always occur in the same way. Two of the most common types are environmental exposure and occupational exposure. While both can...

Many people believe asbestos is a problem of the past. Its use declined decades ago, regulations were introduced, and public awareness has increased. However, in the Northeast, asbestos remains a...

Asbestos exposure is often thought of as a problem from the past, but for many communities, it is still a real and present concern. Older schools, public buildings, industrial sites, and homes can...

Philadelphia rowhomes tell the story of the city itself. Block after block, these homes reflect generations of families, craftsmanship from another era, and neighborhoods built long before modern...

Older heating systems can be a source of comfort and, in some cases, hidden danger. Many wood-burning stoves and coal-fired boilers installed decades ago were built using materials...

A mesothelioma diagnosis can change everything. Families in Pennsylvania often face worry, fear, medical bills, and questions about the future. Many people do not realize that help is available —...

As the year ends, many families find themselves reflecting on what the past months have brought and for those affected by mesothelioma, that reflection often carries heavy weight. A diagnosis tied to...

As winter settles over Pennsylvania, many people stay indoors, turn up the heat, and prepare for snow-covered weeks ahead. But while colder weather brings cozy nights and holiday traditions, it also...

Mesothelioma is a difficult diagnosis, and treatment can place significant physical and emotional stress on the body. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and surgery all require strength, stamina...

When someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining around the lungs often caused by asbestos exposure, surgery can be an important part of treatment. But operating in the chest...

A diagnosis of mesothelioma or lung cancer can shake the strongest person to their core. Between medical appointments, treatments, and the emotional toll of uncertainty, anxiety can easily become part...

Mesothelioma is widely known as a disease linked to asbestos exposure, but exposure is only part of the story. Over the last decade, researchers have discovered that genetics also play a powerful...

As technology continues to reshape healthcare and environmental safety, Big Data and artificial intelligence (AI) are emerging as powerful tools in the fight against asbestos-related diseases...

Mesothelioma often develops silently. For years, sometimes decades, after asbestos exposure, most people feel completely healthy. But as the disease begins to take shape, subtle warning signs can...

Asbestos exposure isn’t only a job-site issue, it’s a community responsibility that still affects neighborhoods across Pennsylvania. Many towns are filled with older homes, schools, and public spaces...

Let’s be honest, the words “lawsuit” and “mesothelioma” can sound intimidating. Between medical jargon, legal paperwork, and endless questions about what comes next, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But...

Plumbers and pipefitters are some of the most skilled tradesmen in the world, responsible for installing and maintaining the piping systems that keep our homes, schools, and industries running. But...

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer most often linked to asbestos exposure. One of the biggest challenges with mesothelioma is that it’s typically diagnosed at later stages, when treatment...

When you think of asbestos, you probably imagine industrial settings, old factories, or building materials. But some historic sports gear like helmets, pads, gloves, and protective clothing also...

Trucks keep the world moving. They deliver food to grocery stores, supplies to factories, and products to homes. Behind every delivery are hardworking mechanics and drivers who dedicate their lives to...

Many people with mesothelioma find that treatment brings not only medical challenges, but changes in appetite, energy, and comfort. What you eat, how you live, and how you manage side effects can make...

A mesothelioma diagnosis can feel overwhelming. From learning about treatment options to coping with symptoms and planning for the future, patients and their families often face challenges they never...

Firefighters put their lives on the line every day, but many don’t realize that the dangers continue long after the flames are out. In Pennsylvania, firefighters face a higher risk of asbestos...

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma is life changing. Beyond the physical challenges of the disease, many patients face an equally heavy burden—loneliness. Mesothelioma is rare, with fewer than 3,000...

Asbestos was commonly used in a variety of industries, including the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) sector. It was utilized in the construction of ducts, insulation, and other...

Exposure to asbestos may happen in a far more common place: your own home. Heating systems, old appliances, and even built-in microwave units were once manufactured using asbestos materials due to...

When a parent or grandparent is burdened with a mesothelioma diagnosis, one of the hardest parts isn’t just the medical appointments or legal decisions—it’s explaining the illness to children. Whether...

If you have ever been exposed to asbestos, or believe you may have, you may be wondering if you should get screened for mesothelioma. The answer is yes. Early detection of mesothelioma is critical, as...

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer most caused by asbestos exposure. While the disease is challenging to treat, especially in its later stages, significant advancements are being made in the...

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, not only because of health challenges but also figuring out how to financially manage mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer usually...

A mesothelioma diagnosis changes the lives of not only the individual, but the entire family. In Pennsylvania, many caregivers find themselves unprepared for the emotional, physical, and financial...

Asbestos exposure is a serious health risk that affects many workers, especially those working with older systems like public transit. SEPTA trolley maintenance workers face a hidden danger: asbestos...

Asbestos exposure has been a significant problem in many industries, particularly in oil refineries. Hess Corporation’s St. Croix Refinery knew the dangers of asbestos yet continued its widespread...

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is normal to feel confused or upset. It is also common to have questions regarding treatment options, hospitals to treat at, medical...

Mesothelioma and lung cancer are both types of cancer that are very serious. There can be similarities and differences in how these cancers develop, the symptoms individuals experience, as well as the...

There was asbestos on the USS America in many areas throughout the ship. Asbestos on Ships Asbestos was used across many different industries due to its fireproofing and durability-enhancing...

Pennsylvania has a long industrial history, with many steel mills, railroads, shipyards and other industrial sites. There are many industries in Pennsylvania that exposed workers to asbestos for many...

In March of 2024 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule banning the ongoing use of chrysotile asbestos in the United States. Chrysotile asbestos is known to cause mesothelioma and...

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate material that was commonly used in the United States and throughout the world in many different industries. Many companies and manufacturers used asbestos in...

A mesothelioma diagnosis can understandably be a very difficult thing to endure. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, finding a treatment team that is there for you is helpful...

For decades there were many companies that manufactured asbestos products despite knowing the health risks associated with breathing in asbestos fibers. Asbestos was seemingly an ideal material for...

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has come up with a proposed rule for testing talc-containing cosmetics for asbestos. This new rule would involve a standardized approach to testing...

It is known that veterans have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma than most of the rest of the population. This is because asbestos was used in every branch of the military from about 1930 to...

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and has worked in Pennsylvania or live in the state, look no further for your ultimate free mesothelioma guide. Our Pennsylvania Mesothelioma...

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate materials. When asbestos fibers are disturbed, they can be lodged into certain organ linings resulting in an aggressive form of cancer called...

Mesothelioma is traditionally very hard to treat. For years research has been done to try to determine new and innovative combinations of treatments that are most effective, depending on the type of...

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic have come up with a new test to detect mesothelioma that may be promising for diagnosing mesothelioma at an earlier stage. This can lead to more treatment options...

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma you have a right to seek justice and receive compensation for your diagnosis. Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer in which...

Scranton, Pennsylvania is in Lackawanna County in the northeastern part of PA. Asbestos was commonly used in Scranton in building materials for many years. There have been asbestos issues in schools...

Navy cruisers contained asbestos in different parts of the ship. Asbestos on cruisers was very common. When the asbestos fibers were agitated or broke down, it would expose those in the surrounding...

The prognosis for mesothelioma has typically not been very promising, however, new research and clinical studies show that there is hope for better outcomes for patients who have been diagnosed with...

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can originate in the lining of organs in the body. There are four types of mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma, and it...

Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that can form in the lining of the body’s organs, including in the pleural cavity, abdominal cavity, the heart, and the testicles. Mesothelioma is...

There are many railroads throughout Pennsylvania. In the past, Philadelphia railroad workers were exposed to asbestos during their jobs as asbestos was used in many railroad products until the 1980s...

Boiler mechanics and other boiler workers were most likely exposed to asbestos during their daily lives at work. Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and...

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate material that was widely used in the past because of its heat-resistant properties. Although asbestos use has faded since the public became aware of its...

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, who’s only known cause is exposure to asbestos, and affects approximately 3,000 people per year in the United States. It is important to know mesothelioma medical...

Treatment for malignant mesothelioma is always evolving. Clinical trials are research studies that are used to test how well new medical approaches work for those enlisted in the trial. Therefore...

Key takeaways: There are three main types of cells present in mesothelioma: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. The patient’s mesothelioma cell type is associated with treatment outcomes and...

The hazardous naturally occurring silicate material, asbestos, was commonly used in the United States and throughout the rest of the world up until about 1980. It was an attractive material to use in...

Key takeaways: The most pertinent risk factor associated with mesothelioma development is asbestos exposure. However, genetic mutations and other carcinogens (like radiation) have been linked to...

Asbestosis is a disease of the lungs that is caused by exposure to asbestos. When someone breathes in asbestos, the fibers can get stuck in sacs in the lungs and cause scarring. Asbestosis is...

Key takeaways: Mouse models help scientists understand the safety and efficacy of new treatments before employing human use. Dr. Daniel Murphy has discovered a genetic combination that will result in...

A biopsy in general can be defined as a procedure to remove a piece of tissue or a sample of cells from your body so it can then be tested in a laboratory. A mesothelioma biopsy takes place when a...

Key takeaways: Treating mesothelioma through personalized immunotherapy uses the patient’s own immune cells—albeit genetically modified—to fight mesothelioma. In a clinical trial enrolling colorectal...

Key takeaways: Legacy asbestos is the asbestos that remains in older buildings and infrastructure. Legacy asbestos will degrade eventually, and there is no infrastructure (or legislation) in place to...

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Grading mesothelioma is important to determine the severity of the cancer along with the best possible treatment options...

Key takeaways: MARS2 was conducted in the UK from 2015-2020. The study looked at the efficacy of chemotherapy and chemotherapy coupled with extended pleurectomy decortication (EPD), a surgery that...

Key takeaways: Veterans are prone to mesothelioma because asbestos was heavily used during the twentieth century in all facets of military service—living quarters, vehicles, ships, etc. All five...

Asbestos is a carcinogen known to cause illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. When people think about asbestos they tend to think about it in an occupational sense. There were...

Throughout the world, many countries have implemented an asbestos ban to mitigate the dangers of asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate material. It is also a carcinogen. Breathing in...

Key takeaways: Asbestos in Pennsylvania is more common than in most other US states—both in natural deposits and via industrial pursuits. Massive corporations like U.S. Steel, the Pennsylvania...

Key Takeaways: DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR FOR TREATMENT OPTIONS THAT WORK BEST FOR YOU AND YOUR DIAGNOSES. Mesothelioma and lung cancer treatments can include...

Key takeaways: The latency period of mesothelioma is the time elapsed between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma onset, and lasts anytime between 20-50 years. During this time, mesothelioma can’t be...

It can be very difficult to obtain a correct mesothelioma diagnosis. There has been research done and guidelines put in place to streamline the process of diagnosis. It is vitally important that...

Key takeaways: A characteristic of mesothelioma is its genetic mutations, which result in lossof immune function, a usurping of normal anti tumor capacities, and a weakening of the safetynets that...

The journey of asbestos to mesothelioma is complex and eventful. From its birth in the stone age history to its modern-day uses in everyday products, asbestos has persisted in many places around the...

If you have been exposed to asbestos, you might be wondering: what are the odds of getting mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer occurring in vital organs and has historically been...

Key takeaways: Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest manifestation of mesothelioma, and presents with symptoms similar to a hernia or testicular cancer. Symptoms include localized swelling, lumps on...

Key takeaways: Pleural plaques are benign collagen growths that form in response to ingested asbestos fibers. There are no treatment plans associated with plaques, except for managing the pain that...

Key takeaways: EMT is the process by which epithelial cells become mesenchymal, or migratory and stem cell-like. When epithelial cells migrate, they can become cancerous and invasive. EMT has been...

Key takeaways: Although new mesothelioma treatments are being developed, there’s a notablelag time between trial approval and widespread implementation. The existing treatments, likechemotherapy and...

Key takeaways: Immunotoxins are immune cells that have been chemically bound to toxicchemicals. These immune cells are able to target specific cells—in this case, mesothelioma cellsby way of...

If you’re reading you might be asking yourself, is mesothelioma hereditary? The short answer to this is perhaps, but it is extremely rare. Cancer.Net reports this occurrence in 1% of all mesothelioma...

In the world of construction and insulation materials, asbestos and fiberglass are often found at the forefront. Containing properties that make them resistant to heat are not only good for vessels...

Key takeaways: As of now, diagnosing mesothelioma can be done through a biopsy, or a sampleof living tissue. Multimodal imaging—which is the utilization of several imaging techniques...

The valuable and infamous mineral, asbestos, was discovered in the 1900s to negatively affect human health. Doctors and asbestos workers alike began to notice a disturbing trend. Individuals who were...

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...

Key takeaways: Mesothelioma patients and their caregivers often deal with poor mental healthduring the diagnosis and treatment processes, including depression, anxiety, and stress. Whilethese symptoms...

Key takeaways: Immunotherapy is a new treatment option for mesothelioma patients, in whichdrugs administered intravenously work to supplement and reinvigorate the natural immuneresponse. Because...

Investigating not only the location of the mesothelioma but the type of cell initiated can reveal how to best approach treatment. There are three main cell types concerning mesothelioma: epithelioid...

Key takeaways: The BAP1 gene encodes for a variety of regulatory proteins and processes, andis considered an antitumor gene. Mesothelioma onset is associated with a BAP1 mutation, eitherinherited...

The similarities between mesothelioma and asbestosis are almost identical. The difference lies in the place of origin within the body as well as the diagnosis. Asbestos exposure is recognized to be...

Key takeaways: MESODEC is an ongoing mesothelioma clinical clinical trial (currently in Phase II) that is vaccine and chemotherapy-based. By introducing dendritic cells–immune cells that display...

Key takeaways: Asbestos cement (AC), constructed with Portland cement and asbestos, wasused for about 50 years in American infrastructure. Most notably, AC was used to outfit about600,000 miles of...

Key takeaways: Calretinin and mesothelin are cellular products that can be measured asbiomarkers for developing mesothelioma. On their own, they cannot qualify the presence ofmesothelioma; oftentimes...

While the history of asbestos dates back to the Industrial Revolution in the mid-1700s, asbestos is still present and active in many locations across America. It is estimated by the Environmental...

Key takeaways: In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency instituted a partial ban onasbestos and asbestos-containing products. In 2019, the EPA issued a final rule banningdiscontinued asbestos...

Key takeaways: Asbestos fibers lodged within one’s lungs create an iron deficiency in the localtissues. The body tries to compensate by increasing the movement of cellular channels and byactivating...

Key takeaways: Chemotherapy has been the standard for treating mesothelioma, givenmesothelioma’s relative rarity, heterogenous presentation, and tendency to spread throughout thebody. Because...

In the United States alone, there is an average of 3,000 cases of mesothelioma per year. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks the tissue lining of vital organs. Although mesothelioma...

Asbestos, a group of naturally occurring silicate materials, is notoriously known to be dangerous to inhale, even having the ability to cause cancer, such as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a cancer...

Key takeaways: Blood tests, like MESOMARK, are becoming more mainstream to help doctorsquickly and accurately diagnose mesothelioma. These tests check for the presence or absence ofcertain biomarkers...

Asbestos, a naturally occurring silicate material, was used extensively in the United States for much of the 1900s, up until 1980. It was very attractive due to a few characteristics, like its heat...

Key takeaways: Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the rarest and most aggressive origination ofmesothelioma. These cells are irregular in shape, size, and growth, and they are more likely tometastasize...

Key takeaways: Asbestos was frequently used in protective workwear (like aprons, gloves, ovenmitts, firefighters’ uniforms) because of its superb fireproofing and integrity-promoting qualities.A study...

This article will help to explain the importance of optimizing nutrition for mesothelioma patients. There are three different categories (Fruits, Vegetables, Protein-Rich ) that include recommended...

Key takeaways: Biphasic mesothelioma is composed of two cell types: sarcomatoid andepithelioid. This type of mesothelioma accounts for around 20-30% of all diagnoses. Because thecell types vary in...

Most of the time when individuals hear about mesothelioma, they immediately think of lung cancer, unfortunately this is not the case. Let’s delve in further to what exactly lung cancer is and how it’s...

Key takeaways: Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common subtype of mesothelioma, withabout 50-70% of cases originating in epithelioid tissues. This subtype of mesothelioma has thebest prognosis...

Key takeaways: Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that is sometimes treated with radiation.Radiation uses high-energy particles to target and kill cancerous cells, but previous studies haveclaimed...

Traditionally, mesothelioma is associated with very few treatment options. However, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved certain standards of care that could streamline new mesothelioma...

Key takeaways: Vaccines are currently being developed as treatment for mesothelioma. These vaccinesutilize and manipulate the body’s existing immune defenses in different ways: DNAmanipulation, the...

When one gets diagnosed with mesothelioma, they might ask themselves: How common is mesothelioma? That answer differs depending on the country, however, in the United States there are about 3,000 new...

Key takeaways: Asbestos is a carcinogenic, naturally-occurring group of minerals that waspreviously used as construction, insulating, building, and packaging material. Because linksbetween asbestos...

Key takeaways: Epigenetics, or the change of gene expression by external factors, plays a role inthe onset of mesothelioma. While the exact mechanism hasn’t been identified yet, researchersbelieve...

Key takeaways: Pericardial mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the tissues surrounding theheart. Symptoms manifest in a similar way to other diseases and cancers, so diagnosis is mademore...

There are four types of mesothelioma, the most common being pleural mesothelioma, which begins in the lining of the lung. The second most common type of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma, which...

Key takeaways: The BoRit Asbestos site is an area of concentrated asbestos waste, located in the suburbsof Philadelphia. It was unregulated until 2009, when the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)...

Key Takeaways Pittsburgh was the “Steel Capital of the World” by the late 19th century — its location on three major rivers, proximity to natural resources, and position between the East...

Key Takeaways Diagnosing malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a multi-step process that typically begins with symptom evaluation and occupational history, followed by imaging tests and ultimately a...

Key Takeaways Pemetrexed is an FDA-approved chemotherapy drug used to treat mesothelioma when surgery is not an option. It was approved in 2004 and must be administered in combination with cisplatin...

Key Takeaways In 2020, there were 2,681 new mesothelioma cases in the United States — a rate of 0.7 per 100,000 people, according to CDC data. Men accounted for 1,900 of those cases (1.1 per 100,000)...

Key Takeaways The FDA has approved new treatment options for pleural mesothelioma in recent years, offering patients alternatives beyond traditional chemotherapy. NovoTTF (Tumor Treating Fields) was...

Key Takeaways The United States does not have a National Mesothelioma Registry — unlike countries such as Italy, which has maintained one since 1993 (codified into law in 2002). The databases that do...

Key Takeaways Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals once valued for their heat resistance, tensile strength, and flexibility. It was used in insulation, building materials...

Key Takeaways Mesothelioma is not just a man’s disease. Annual mesothelioma deaths among women in the U.S. rose from 489 in 1999 to 614 in 2020, and the numbers continue to grow. In men...

Key Takeaways Before 2020, the standard first-line treatment for advanced pleural mesothelioma was chemotherapy with platinum and pemetrexed. That changed with the results of the CheckMate 743 trial...

Key Takeaways The PrE0505 study was a phase 2 clinical trial that tested the immunotherapy drug durvalumab combined with standard chemotherapy (pemetrexed and cisplatin) in patients with malignant...

Key Takeaways Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is the most common form of mesothelioma. Patients typically present with chest pain and breathlessness caused by fluid buildup between the layers of...

Key Takeaways A pleural effusion — sometimes called “water on the lungs” — is a buildup of excess fluid between the thin membranes (pleura) that line the lungs. While a small amount of...

Key Takeaways Mesothelioma can be caused by secondary (secondhand) asbestos exposure — not just direct workplace contact. Spouses, children, and other family members have developed mesothelioma from...

Key Takeaways Auto mechanics, car workers, and even hobbyists who work on vehicles could have been exposed to asbestos — and may still be at risk today. Brake pads historically contained 35% to 60%...

Key Takeaways Fox Chase Cancer Center, founded in 1904 and now part of the Temple University Health System, is a Pennsylvania cancer center that offers specialized mesothelioma diagnosis and...

Key Takeaways Westinghouse Electric Corporation, founded in 1886 in Pennsylvania, used asbestos extensively in its products — including turbines, welding rods, light bulbs, gaskets, packing, paper...

Key Takeaways Asbestos was used extensively across all branches of the U.S. military throughout the 20th century — in buildings where service members lived, slept, and ate, and in vehicles including...

Key Takeaways Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for about 75% of all cases. It begins in the thoracic cavity — the lining surrounding the lungs...

Key Takeaways The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard — one of the oldest and busiest shipyards in the country — used asbestos extensively in insulation, electrical wiring, boiler rooms, gaskets, pipes, and...

Key Takeaways Asbestos was used on virtually every U.S. Navy ship from the 1930s through the 1980s — in insulation, gaskets, valves, floor tiles, textiles, boiler rooms, engine rooms, and even...

Key Takeaways Asbestos was used across a wide range of industries because it was affordable, lightweight, heat-resistant, and an effective insulator — but inhaling its fibers can cause mesothelioma...

Key Takeaways Asbestos-containing materials have been found in Pennsylvania nursing homes — including Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Allentown and Gracedale Nursing Home in Nazareth — posing health...

Key Takeaways Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive, and ultimately fatal form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium — the thin layer of tissue covering most internal organs. It is caused by...

Key Takeaways Asbestos exposure can cause a range of diseases — not just mesothelioma. The five main conditions are asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, pleural thickening, and pleural effusion...

Key Takeaways Chemotherapy uses drugs — taken orally or injected — to stop cancer cell growth. A specialized form called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) heats the drugs before...

Key Takeaways Pleural mesothelioma — the most common type, affecting about 75% of patients — is classified in four stages based on how far the cancer has spread. Stage 1: The cancer is localized and...