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 exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in building and insulation materials. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States each year.
- There are four types: pleural (lining of the lungs — most common), peritoneal (abdomen), pericardial (heart), and testicular.
- Because of its long latency period, most people are not diagnosed until decades after their original asbestos exposure.
- Symptoms vary by type but can include persistent cough, chest or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and fluid buildup.
- There are three mesothelioma cell types — epithelioid (most common, 50%+), sarcomatoid (10–20%), and biphasic (20–30%) — which affect how the cancer behaves and responds to treatment.
When diagnosed with mesothelioma, many people have the question, “What is mesothelioma?” Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers a lot of internal organs called the mesothelium. It is a very aggressive form of cancer and it is ultimately fatal. People become diagnosed with mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate material that was used in a lot of building materials as it is a good insulator. However, asbestos is extremely hazardous to inhale and can cause cancer, such as mesothelioma. Because of its long latency period, most people are not diagnosed with mesothelioma until decades after they have been exposed to asbestos. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.
What is Mesothelioma? – Types
There are four types of mesothelioma. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma and that type forms in the lining of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining around the abdomen. Pericardial mesothelioma develops on the tissue around the heart and testicular mesothelioma develops on the membrane that covers the testes.
Symptoms
Symptoms of all forms of malignant mesothelioma include excessive sweating, fatigue, loss of appetite, blood clots, fever and unexplained weight loss. Specific symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include cough, pain in the side of the chest or lower back, hoarseness, swelling of the face and arms and trouble swallowing. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include nausea and vomiting, constipation, pain in the abdomen and swelling or fluid in the abdomen. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include shortness of breath, irregular heart rhythm, heart murmur and pain in the chest.
There are also three different mesothelioma cell types. Epithelioid cells make up more than half of all mesothelioma tumors. Sarcomatoid cells make up about 10% to 20% of mesothelioma tumors. Biphasic cells have a combination of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells and they make up about 20% to 30% of all mesothelioma tumors.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, we can help. Please contact us at (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium — the thin layer of tissue that covers most of the body’s internal organs. It is caused by inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers, which can become embedded in tissue and eventually lead to cancerous changes. About 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the U.S. each year.
What are the four types of mesothelioma?
- Pleural mesothelioma — forms in the lining of the lungs. This is the most common type.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma — forms in the lining of the abdomen.
- Pericardial mesothelioma — develops in the tissue surrounding the heart.
- Testicular mesothelioma — develops on the membrane covering the testes. This is the rarest type.
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
General symptoms across all types include fatigue, excessive sweating, fever, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, and blood clots. Symptoms specific to each type include:
- Pleural — persistent cough, chest or lower back pain, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face and arms
- Peritoneal — abdominal pain and swelling, nausea and vomiting, constipation, fluid buildup in the abdomen
- Pericardial — shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, heart murmur
What causes mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos — a naturally occurring silicate mineral that was widely used in building materials, insulation, and industrial products because of its heat-resistant properties. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, microscopic fibers can be inhaled or ingested, eventually embedding in tissue and triggering cancerous changes.
How long does it take for mesothelioma to develop after asbestos exposure?
Mesothelioma has an extremely long latency period — it can take 20 to 50 years or more after the initial asbestos exposure for the cancer to develop. This is why many people being diagnosed today were exposed to asbestos decades ago at job sites, in factories, shipyards, or even in their own homes.
What are the different mesothelioma cell types?
There are three mesothelioma cell types, and the type affects how the cancer behaves and responds to treatment:
- Epithelioid — the most common, making up more than 50% of tumors. Generally responds best to treatment.
- Sarcomatoid — accounts for 10–20% of tumors. Tends to be more aggressive and harder to treat.
- Biphasic — a combination of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells, making up 20–30% of tumors. Prognosis depends on which cell type is more dominant.
What should I do if I or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, learning about your treatment options and legal rights is an important first step. Call (800) 505-6000 or fill out our contact form to request a free Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Information Guide.
