Supporting Mesothelioma Patients and Their Families
We provide mesothelioma information and resources covering the latest treatment options, top doctors, financial compensation assistance, and more.
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of our internal organs. Doctors divide mesothelioma into different types based on what part of the body is affected—most often attacking the tissue that surrounds the lungs (pleural mesothelioma). Other, less common types of mesothelioma affect tissue in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), around the heart, and, in extremely rare cases, around the testicles.
Caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, mesothelioma is often diagnosed in older individuals who worked with asbestos products. While the prognosis for mesothelioma is often poor, early detection and new, emerging treatments provide hope for many patients.
Statistics
- 50,000+ people have died from mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases since 1999.
- About 3,000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
- More than 11 million Americans were exposed to asbestos between 1940 and 1978.
Types
There are four main types of mesothelioma based on the location in the body where tumors originate—most commonly affecting the lungs.
Stages
Mesothelioma can be categorized into one of four stages, which classify how far the cancer has progressed in the body.
Treatment
While there is no cure for malignant mesothelioma, there are treatment options that can improve the prognosis and reduce symptoms.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose and is often confused with other diseases. Currently, only a biopsy can definitively confirm mesothelioma.
Prognosis
Unfortunately, mesothelioma has a poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of only 9 percent. Most patients have a life-expectancy of about 1 year.
Types
There are four main types of mesothelioma based on the location in the body where tumors originate—most commonly affecting the lungs.
Stages
Mesothelioma can be categorized into one of four stages, which classify how far the cancer has progressed in the body.
Treatment
While there is no cure for malignant mesothelioma, there are treatment options that can improve the prognosis and reduce symptoms.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose and is often confused with other diseases. Currently, only a biopsy can definitively confirm mesothelioma.
Prognosis
Unfortunately, mesothelioma has a poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of only 9 percent. Most patients have a life-expectancy of about 1 year.
Free Mesothelioma Guide
Find the support you and your loved ones need with a free information guide that includes the latest mesothelioma treatment options, top mesothelioma doctors and financial compensation assistance.
Understand Your Legal Rights
Because so many companies knowingly put employees at risk of asbestos exposure, mesothelioma patients and their loved ones have legal rights. Talk to an attorney to learn about your compensation options.
Free Mesothelioma Guide
Find the support you and your loved ones need with a free information guide that includes the latest mesothelioma treatment options, top mesothelioma doctors and financial compensation assistance.
Understand Your Legal Rights
Because so many companies knowingly put employees at risk of asbestos exposure, mesothelioma patients and their loved ones have legal rights. Talk to an attorney to learn about your compensation options.
