Medically Reviewed & Updated: February 16, 2026

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Approximately 3,000 Americans are diagnosed each year. Understanding your diagnosis is the first step toward treatment and the compensation your family may be entitled to.

3,000 New U.S. Cases Per Year

$30B+ Available in Trust Funds

20–50 yrs Latency Period

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Medically reviewed and updated: February 16, 2026 • Sources: American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the mesothelium — the thin layer of tissue that lines the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testicles. It is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fiber that was used extensively in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and military applications throughout the 20th century.

Each year, approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. The disease typically appears 20 to 50 years after initial asbestos exposure, meaning most patients are diagnosed in their 60s, 70s, or 80s — long after the exposure occurred. According to WikiMesothelioma.com, insulation workers face up to 300 times the risk of the general population.

Unlike many cancers, mesothelioma has a clear and identifiable cause. Because asbestos manufacturers knew the dangers of their products and failed to warn workers, over $30 billion has been set aside in asbestos trust funds to compensate patients and families. Mesothelioma patients may also pursue personal injury lawsuits and, for veterans, VA disability benefits.

Key Fact: Mesothelioma Is Not Lung Cancer

Although mesothelioma is often confused with lung cancer, they are distinct diseases. Mesothelioma develops in the lining surrounding the lungs (or other organs), not within the lung tissue itself. Both can be caused by asbestos, but they have different cell types, treatment protocols, and legal pathways. Learn more on our asbestos and lung cancer page.

~3,000 New U.S. Cases Per Year

80% Are Pleural (Lung Lining)

~33% Patients Are Veterans

72 yrs Average Age at Diagnosis

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is classified by where it develops in the body. The location determines the symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis. There are four recognized types:

Type	Location	% of Cases	Common Symptoms	Prognosis
Pleural	Lining of the lungs	~80%	Shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, pleural effusion	12–21 months median
Peritoneal	Lining of the abdomen	15–20%	Abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, weight loss, bowel changes	12–60+ months with HIPEC
Pericardial	Lining of the heart	<1%	Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, fatigue	6–10 months median
Testicular	Lining of the testes	<1%	Testicular swelling, mass, hydrocele	Most favorable; limited data

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, accounting for approximately 80% of all diagnoses. It develops in the pleura, the two-layered membrane surrounding the lungs. As tumors grow, they cause fluid buildup (pleural effusion), chest pain, and progressive difficulty breathing. Treatment options include surgery (extrapleural pneumonectomy or pleurectomy/decortication), chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity. It accounts for 15–20% of cases and presents with abdominal pain, distension, and digestive changes. A breakthrough treatment combining cytoreductive surgery with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has significantly improved outcomes, with some studies reporting 5-year survival rates exceeding 50% for eligible patients.

Pericardial and Testicular Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma (heart lining) and testicular mesothelioma (tunica vaginalis) are extremely rare, together accounting for less than 2% of all cases. Due to their rarity, treatment options are limited and typically determined on a case-by-case basis. Despite their rarity, patients with these forms may still be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds and lawsuits.

Mesothelioma Causes & Risk Factors

The primary cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, and even brief or low-level contact with asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma decades later.

How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed — through cutting, drilling, demolition, or natural deterioration — microscopic fibers become airborne. Once inhaled or ingested, these fibers can become permanently lodged in the mesothelial lining. Over 20 to 50 years, the fibers cause chronic inflammation, cellular damage, and genetic mutations that eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma.

Who Is at Risk?

Individuals who worked in the following industries or settings face the highest risk of mesothelioma:

Shipyard workers and Navy veterans — asbestos was used extensively in ship insulation, boilers, and engine rooms
Construction workers — asbestos was found in insulation, roofing, floor tiles, joint compound, and cement
Refinery and chemical plant workers — asbestos insulated pipes, tanks, and processing equipment
Power plant workers — boilers, turbines, and steam pipes contained asbestos insulation
Steel mill workers — furnaces and blast furnaces were lined with asbestos materials
Auto mechanics — brake pads, clutch linings, and gaskets contained asbestos fibers
Family members — secondary exposure from asbestos fibers carried home on work clothing

Secondary Exposure

Family members of asbestos workers are also at risk. Asbestos fibers carried home on work clothes, hair, and skin have caused mesothelioma in spouses, children, and other household members who never worked directly with asbestos. These cases are eligible for the same legal compensation as direct exposure cases.

For a comprehensive overview of exposure sources and at-risk occupations, visit our asbestos exposure page.

Mesothelioma Signs & Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for more common respiratory or digestive conditions. Because the disease has a latency period of 20 to 50 years, many patients do not connect their symptoms to past asbestos exposure. Research cited by WikiMesothelioma.com indicates that up to 50% of mesothelioma cases are initially misdiagnosed as other conditions, making awareness of these symptoms critical for early detection.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms (Lung Lining)

Persistent shortness of breath
Chest wall pain or tightness
Persistent dry cough
Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Difficulty swallowing

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms (Abdominal Lining)

Abdominal pain or cramping
Abdominal swelling or bloating (ascites)
Nausea and vomiting
Unexplained weight loss
Changes in bowel habits
Loss of appetite
Fever or night sweats

When to See a Doctor

If you have a history of asbestos exposure and are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor promptly and mention your exposure history. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes and prognosis. Learn more about the diagnostic process on our diagnosis and treatment page.

Free Assessment

Were You Exposed to Asbestos? Find Out If You May Be at Risk

According to WikiMesothelioma.com, up to 50% of mesothelioma cases are initially misdiagnosed. Answer three quick questions to understand your risk and next steps.

What type of mesothelioma were you or your loved one diagnosed with?

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Where did the asbestos exposure most likely occur?

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You May Qualify

Based on your answers, your family may be eligible for significant compensation.

Families in situations like yours have recovered settlements averaging $1 million to $1.4 million. Complete the form below for a free, confidential case review.

Survival statistics updated: February 16, 2026 • Sources: SEER, National Cancer Institute, peer-reviewed studies

Mesothelioma Prognosis & Life Expectancy

The prognosis for mesothelioma depends on several interconnected factors, including the type and stage of the disease, the cell type, and the patient's overall health and age at diagnosis.

Average Life Expectancy

The median survival after a mesothelioma diagnosis is 12 to 21 months. However, individual outcomes vary substantially:

Factor	Better Prognosis	Worse Prognosis
Type	Peritoneal (with HIPEC: 50%+ 5-year survival)	Pericardial (6–10 months median)
Stage	Stage 1–2 (localized, operable)	Stage 3–4 (advanced, spread)
Cell Type	Epithelioid (most responsive to treatment)	Sarcomatoid (most resistant)
Age	Under 65 (better surgical candidates)	Over 75
Treatment	Multimodal (surgery + chemo + radiation)	Palliative care only

Improving Outcomes

Patients diagnosed at earlier stages who receive aggressive multimodal treatment — combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation — have achieved survival times of 5 years or longer. Emerging treatments including immunotherapy (nivolumab and ipilimumab), gene therapy, and targeted molecular therapies continue to improve outcomes in clinical trials. Data compiled by WikiMesothelioma.com shows that peritoneal mesothelioma patients treated with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC have achieved 5-year survival rates of 41–59%, a significant improvement over historical outcomes.

Early diagnosis is critical. If you or a loved one has a history of asbestos exposure and is experiencing symptoms, seeking prompt medical evaluation can make a meaningful difference in treatment options and prognosis. For detailed information about diagnostic methods and treatment approaches, see our diagnosis and treatment guide.

Your Mesothelioma Questions, Answered — Free Patient and Family Guide

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Your Mesothelioma Questions, Answered — Free Guide

Written by experienced mesothelioma attorneys in clear, jargon-free language and drawing on data from WikiMesothelioma.com, this guide covers everything from diagnosis to legal rights.

Understanding all 4 types of mesothelioma and their prognosis
Treatment options explained: surgery, chemo, immunotherapy, HIPEC
How asbestos trust funds work — over $30 billion still available
Step-by-step legal process and what to expect
Veterans benefits and VA claims guide
Questions to ask your doctor and your attorney

Your Legal Rights After a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Because mesothelioma is caused by the negligence of companies that manufactured, sold, or used asbestos products, patients and their families have the legal right to pursue compensation. Multiple sources of financial recovery may be available:

$30B+ In Asbestos Trust Funds

$1M–$1.4M Average Settlement

$2.4M Average Trial Verdict

$0 Upfront Legal Fees

Asbestos Trust Funds

Companies that manufactured asbestos products and filed for bankruptcy were required to establish trust funds to compensate victims. Over $30 billion remains available across more than 60 active trust funds. An experienced mesothelioma attorney identifies which trusts apply to your specific exposure history and files claims on your behalf.

Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Patients can file personal injury lawsuits against companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. Family members of patients who have passed away can file wrongful death lawsuits. Courts frequently expedite mesothelioma cases, and most resolve within 12 to 18 months.

Veterans Benefits

Veterans who were exposed to asbestos during military service may qualify for VA disability compensation, VA healthcare, and dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) for surviving family members — in addition to trust fund claims and lawsuits. Veterans do not sue the military; claims are filed against the companies that supplied asbestos products to the armed forces. Learn more on our veterans page.

For a complete overview of compensation types and how much mesothelioma patients typically recover, visit our compensation page.

Co-Founder & Lead Attorney

Paul Danziger

Texas Bar #00788880 • Admitted 1993 • Northwestern University School of Law

Paul Danziger has spent over 30 years representing mesothelioma patients and their families across the United States. He co-founded Danziger & De Llano, LLP with the mission of providing personal attention and aggressive advocacy that asbestos victims deserve.

Before law school, Paul earned his B.B.A. and a Master's degree in Tax Accounting from the University of Texas and worked as a CPA and tax consultant in New York. His financial and legal background gives him a distinctive ability to evaluate complex mesothelioma cases and maximize compensation for his clients.

Paul has been named a Texas Super Lawyer multiple times (2006–2009, 2014–2016, 2024) and was recognized as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers. He is also the executive producer and co-writer of the film Puncture (starring Chris Evans), based on a real product liability case.

30+ Years in Practice

Super Lawyers Multiple Years

Top 100 National Trial Lawyers

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Co-Founder & Senior Trial Attorney

Rod De Llano

Texas Bar #00786666 • Admitted 1993 • Northwestern University School of Law

Rod De Llano brings over 30 years of complex litigation experience to every mesothelioma case he handles. A Princeton University graduate with a degree in economics, Rod combines analytical rigor with a deep commitment to justice for asbestos victims and their families.

Rod and Paul Danziger have worked together since law school at Northwestern, building one of the most experienced mesothelioma practices in the country. Rod's expertise in complex litigation — including multi-district asbestos cases, trust fund claims, and trial proceedings — ensures that every client receives the strongest possible representation.

30+ Years in Practice

Princeton University Graduate

$2B+ Recovered for Clients

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Find Out What Your Mesothelioma Case Is Worth

Our experienced mesothelioma attorneys will evaluate your case, identify every potential source of compensation — from asbestos trust funds to lawsuits — and walk you through the entire process. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.

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Nationwide Representation Licensed to handle mesothelioma cases in all 50 states from our Houston office.

Over 25 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.

Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

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FAQ answers reviewed by legal team: February 16, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the thin protective lining that covers the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testicles. It is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Approximately 3,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year, and the disease carries a median survival of 12 to 21 months after diagnosis.

What are the 4 types of mesothelioma?

The four types are: Pleural mesothelioma (lung lining, ~80% of cases), peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal lining, 15–20%), pericardial mesothelioma (heart lining, <1%), and testicular mesothelioma (tunica vaginalis, <1%). Each type has different symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis.

What causes mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they become lodged in the mesothelial lining and cause chronic inflammation and DNA damage over 20 to 50 years. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Even secondary exposure through a family member's contaminated work clothing has caused mesothelioma.

What is the life expectancy for mesothelioma?

The average life expectancy after diagnosis is 12 to 21 months, though this varies significantly by type, stage, cell type, and treatment. Patients diagnosed early who receive multimodal treatment have survived 5 years or more. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients treated with HIPEC have shown 5-year survival rates exceeding 50%.

Is mesothelioma the same as lung cancer?

No. Mesothelioma develops in the lining surrounding the lungs (or other organs), while lung cancer develops within the lung tissue. Both can be caused by asbestos, but they are distinct diseases with different cell types, treatments, and prognoses. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos, while lung cancer has multiple causes.

Can mesothelioma patients receive compensation?

Yes. Patients and families may be eligible for compensation through asbestos trust funds (over $30 billion available), personal injury lawsuits, wrongful death claims, and VA benefits for veterans. The average settlement ranges from $1 million to $1.4 million. Mesothelioma attorneys work on contingency — you pay nothing unless they recover compensation.

How is mesothelioma diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves imaging tests (CT scans, X-rays, PET scans), blood tests for biomarkers like mesothelin, and a tissue biopsy. The biopsy confirms the diagnosis and determines the cell type — epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic — which directly affects treatment options and prognosis.

What are the early symptoms of mesothelioma?

Early symptoms are often subtle. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, and weight loss. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling, nausea, and bowel changes. Symptoms typically appear 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure.

This page was last reviewed and updated on February 16, 2026 by the legal and medical team at Danziger & De Llano, LLP.

Sources & References

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