Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Caused by asbestos, mesothelioma has no known cure and has a very poor prognosis.
According to a 2017 report by the Centers for Disease Control, 2,400 – 2,800 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States each year. People who have worked with or been exposed to asbestos have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. After being exposed to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take 20 – 50 years to appear.
The life expectancy for mesothelioma patients is poor, as there is no cure for the disease.
The stage of the disease, cell type, and location of the tumor(s) are the most important factors for a patient’s survival. Factors such as the patient’s overall health, age, and whether the cancer has spread also impact prognosis.
After receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, there are a number of vital decisions that must be made. The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance is dedicated to providing patients with the best resources available on current treatment, stories of survival and hope, and financial assistance.
Heather Von St. James – Mesothelioma Survivor
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Heather Von St. James is a 12-year pleural mesothelioma survivor who has become a spokeswoman for mesothelioma awareness and a proponent of banning asbestos.
She also works with newly diagnosed mesothelioma patients as a mentor and advocate, helping them understand their treatment and legal options.
Heather offers valuable insights into her successful treatment approach with Dr. David Sugarbaker. She has a unique perspective on life after surviving a mesothelioma diagnosis and enjoys sharing her story. Click here to connect with Heather.
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is most commonly classified by the location in the body where it develops. Specifically, the cancer forms in the lining of certain organs or spaces within the body, known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma typically develops in one of three specific areas.
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Pleural Mesothelioma
Lungs
The most common type, pleural mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers.
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Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Abdomen
Inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers can become trapped in the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum).
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Pericardial Mesothelioma
Heart
In rare cases, asbestos fibers can get lodged in the pericardium, the lining around the heart cavity.
Diagnosing Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms can take 20 – 50 years to appear after the first exposure to asbestos. The signs of mesothelioma often look like those of other diseases, which can lead to misdiagnosis.
When someone exhibits mesothelioma symptoms, doctors perform a variety of tests to rule out other diseases. It normally takes weeks or months for doctors to arrive at an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis.
Doctors will use a number of different tests and techniques including blood tests, imaging and biopsies to diagnose the cancer and assign it a stage. The stage and other diagnostic details are used to determine your prognosis and to predict what your life expectancy may be.
Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma
- Trouble breathing or chest pain.
- Effusion (fluid buildup) in the lungs or abdomen.
- Anemia (especially in women).
- Nausea / vomiting.
- Loss of weight.
Stages of Mesothelioma
Upon diagnosis, the doctor will categorize the disease into one of four stages. While there are several staging systems, the TNM System — which stands for tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis — is the most commonly used.
Stage 1
The mesothelioma tumor is located in only one area and has not spread to other parts of the body.
Stage 2
A large tumor may have progressed to nearby areas and/or the lymph nodes, but has not gone on any further.
Stage 3
Tumors have typically spread beyond the local area to several nearby locations and the lymph nodes.
Stage 4
The tumors have spread into multiple areas and throughout the lymphatic system, invading other organs throughout the body.
Typically, Stage 1 and Stage 2 mesothelioma can be treated effectively with surgery and other forms of therapy. However, Stage 3 and Stage 4 mesothelioma are often treated palliatively.
Treating Mesothelioma
Treatment for mesothelioma is similar to other types of cancer. The most common treatments are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Newer treatments are being studied as part of clinical trials and may be available for some patients who do not respond to conventional therapies.
In some cases, treatment can improve a patient’s prognosis, extending his/her life significantly. Treatment can also be used palliatively to reduce pain and discomfort caused by the symptoms of mesothelioma.
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Mesothelioma Doctors
Finding a mesothelioma doctor and creating a custom treatment plan based on your diagnosis is the most important decision you can make to improve prognosis. Browse our catalog of top mesothelioma doctors around the country.
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Mesothelioma Cancer Clinics
Mesothelioma clinics and cancer centers offer patients a way to get the most comprehensive care, using the latest technology and techniques available. Locate the best mesothelioma clinics near you.
Top Mesothelioma Doctors in the Country
Mesothelioma Financial Assistance
The costs of treating mesothelioma are significant. If you were exposed to asbestos on the job, in your home, or elsewhere, you have the right to recover these expenses from those responsible for the exposure.
Financial assistance is available to help offset the high cost of mesothelioma treatment. The primary ways mesothelioma patients and their families can receive compensation are:
- Legal Settlements – Victims of asbestos exposure can recover money from companies that produced, made, and distributed asbestos products.
- Veteran Benefits – Individuals exposed to asbestos while serving in the military can receive help through the Veterans Administration.
- Asbestos Trust Funds – Trust funds have been established by former asbestos companies to pay for asbestos-related medical expenses.
Support a Loved One
Those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other types of terminal cancer can find tremendous comfort in the support they get from family, friends and caregivers.
The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance is also part of the larger community dedicated to promoting mesothelioma research and preventing new cases through a worldwide asbestos ban.
REFUSING DEFEAT Wristbands
FREE Mesothelioma Awareness Wristbands and Treatment Guide.
Your Support is Needed:
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We work with and donate to the following organizations whose missions complement our own: Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, National Foundation for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Cancer Research Institute. The mesothelioma community gets together often at various events around the country.
Upcoming Mesothelioma Events
ADAO Mesothelioma Awareness Month
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s (ADAO) mission is to educate the public and medical community about asbestos-related diseases and preventing asbestos exposure, while supporting research that leads to early detection, prevention, and a cure. For more information, please visit the organization’s website via the link below.
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When:
September 2018 -
More Info: Event Page
Kayaking for Meso
Kayaking for Meso’s mission is to raise awareness about asbestos-caused mesothelioma and to raise money for research to fight this rare cancer. Monies raised will be donated to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF). For more information, please visit Kayaking for Meso’s website via the link below.
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When:
9/8/2018 - Where: Starting point: Admiral’s Marina, Stillwater, NY
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More Info: Event Page
Author: Linda Molinari
Editor in Chief, Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance
JM Mazurek; G Syamlal; JM Wood; SA Hendricks, A Weston. U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Malignant Mesothelioma Mortality — United States, 1999–2015. March 3, 2017:66(8);214–218. DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6608a3
National Cancer Institute – Malignant Mesothelioma (Source)
Wagner, J.C., Sleggs, C.A., and Marchand, Paul. “Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure in the North Western Cape Province.” Department of Thoracic Surgery: University of The Witswatersrand. Johannesburg, South Africa. 1960.
Grondin, Sean C., Sugarbaker, David J. “Pleuropneumonectomy in the Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma” Chest December 1999 116:suppl 3 450S-454S;
Rusch, Valerie W. “Indications for pneumoctomy. Extrapleural pneumonectomy”
Roggli VL, Sharma A, Butnor KJ, Sporn T, Vollmer RT (2002). “Malignant mesothelioma and occupational exposure to asbestos: a clinicopathological correlation of 1445 cases”. Ultrastruct Pathol 26(2): 55–65.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital – International Mesothelioma Program (Source)
Free Mesothelioma Treatment Guide
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- Top Mesothelioma Doctors and Cancer Centers in Your Area
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- The Latest Clinical Trials
- Support Resources for Patients and Families
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