Year: 2026

For people who have been exposed to asbestos, either directly or through secondary/second-hand exposure, one thing that is constantly on their minds is the possibility of developing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma develops in the tissue layer that covers most internal organs. There are different types of mesothelioma. They are pleura mesothelioma (the most common), peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma, and testicular mesothelioma (the least common). According to statistics, there are around 3,000 new mesothelioma cases in the U.S. annually.

There are two types of asbestos exposure — primary and secondary exposure. Primary asbestos exposure, also called occupational exposure, occurs when someone who works with asbestos or asbestos-containing materials suffers exposure at work. Occupations at great risk of asbestos exposure include construction, firefighting, power plant, shipyard, mining, factory, and boiler work. Secondary exposure, which is also called second-hand exposure, is when someone who does not directly work with asbestos or asbestos-contaminated materials suffers asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used many years ago due to its strength and ability to resist heat and corrosion in many industries, including construction, automotive, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and textiles. Despite its attractive qualities, asbestos is a dangerous mineral. Asbestos exposure can cause cancer and other serious illnesses. While asbestos exposure can occur anywhere, the most common type of asbestos exposure occurs in occupational settings.

A mesothelioma cancer diagnosis can be devastating news and seemingly come out of nowhere to turn our world upside down. Because mesothelioma takes decades to manifest itself, victims often receive their diagnosis during retirement, but many become affected during their prime income earning years, as well. Whatever the case, mesothelioma rears its head at the worst time and seriously affects the economic and health outlook for victims and their families.

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive form of cancer. Every year, there are about 3,000 new mesothelioma cases in the United States. This disease, which develops in the mesothelium (a membrane that covers the lungs, abdomen, heart, and testes), is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. There is still no cure for mesothelioma, but there are several treatment options. However, it can be notoriously challenging to treat mesothelioma, mainly because this illness is often diagnosed at a later stage when symptoms have become more severe.

Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the chest or abdomen. The malignant (cancer) cells are found in the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs) or the peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen). This summary is about malignant mesothelioma of the pleura. Anatomy of the respiratory system, showing the trachea and both lungs and their lobes and airways. Lymph nodes and the diaphragm are also shown.