Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that develops in the linings of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Exposure to asbestos is the only known cause of malignant mesothelioma. The average life expectancy of mesothelioma patients is 12 – 21 months after diagnosis. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath and general fatigue.
Navigate through the sections below and click on a topic for more in-depth information on mesothelioma. An overview is also provided on this page for a general understanding of the disease.
Asbestos fibers can easily be ingested or inhaled, then becoming imbedded in organ linings. The fibers can cause irritation and mutation of the mesothelioma cells, leading to the development of mesothelioma cancer. Research continues to find potential causes and risk factors that may make individuals more susceptible to developing mesothelioma, but asbestos is a proven link to 90% of all cases.
Medical advisor Dr. F. Perry Wilson answers the question “What is mesothelioma?”
