Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos fibers, with no safe level of exposure established. Approximately 3,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year.
Mesothelioma remains one of the most devastating occupational cancers, with most patients receiving a diagnosis decades after their initial asbestos exposure. The disease has a median latency period of 20–50 years, meaning workers exposed in the 1960s–1980s are still being diagnosed today.
Because mesothelioma symptoms — shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue — mimic common conditions, early-stage diagnosis is rare. Most patients are diagnosed at stage III or IV, when treatment options are more limited. The three primary types are pleural (lungs), peritoneal (abdomen), and pericardial (heart).
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, understanding your diagnosis, treatment options, and legal rights is critical. Patients may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds, lawsuits, or VA benefits.
- Also known as
- Meso, Malignant mesothelioma
- Category
- Medical
- ICD-10 Code
C45
What is the main cause of mesothelioma?
Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 80% of all cases. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.
How long does mesothelioma take to develop?
Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, meaning symptoms typically appear decades after the initial asbestos exposure.
Is mesothelioma always fatal?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with a median survival of 12 to 21 months, though early-stage diagnosis and newer treatments like immunotherapy have improved outcomes for some patients.
Have questions about Mesothelioma? Our attorneys can explain how this applies to your situation — at no cost.