Living with Malignant pleural mesothelioma
A rare cancer of the thin tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs, linked to asbestos exposure.
Understanding Malignant pleural mesothelioma
It occurs more often in men than women, and risk goes up with age, but it can appear at any age. About 2,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year, according to GARD.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Mesothelioma Guide
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Breathing in airborne asbestos particles raises the risk. Work with asbestos is the major risk factor, reported in about 70% to 80% of cases. Some people have no known exposure.
Also known as: malignant mesothelioma of pleura; malignant mesothelioma of the pleura; pleural diffuse malignant mesothelioma; pleural malignant mesothelioma
Patient organizations
- Mesothelioma GuideMalignant pleural mesothelioma · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Explore research for Malignant pleural mesothelioma
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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