Living with Mesothelioma, malignant
A cancer of the thin tissue around the lungs, chest wall, or abdomen, linked to long-term asbestos exposure.
Understanding Mesothelioma, malignant
Signs depend on which area is affected. If surgery is not an option, chemotherapy or radiation may still be recommended to help ease symptoms. It can happen at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion)
- Weight loss
- Bloating or belly pain
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
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists and lung and breathing specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Mesothelioma.com and Mesothelioma.net may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists); Lung and breathing specialists (pulmonologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Mesothelioma.com, Mesothelioma.net
- 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.com and other patient organizations
- 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
It is thought to be caused by long-term exposure to asbestos, a fire-resistant material once common in insulation, roofing and ceiling materials, cement, and brake parts.
Also known as: cancer, mesothelioma; malignant mesothelial tumor; malignant mesothelial tumour; malignant mesothelioma; malignant mesothelioma (disease); malignant neoplasm of mesothelium
Patient organizations
- Mesothelioma.comMesothelioma, malignant · United States
- Mesothelioma.netMesothelioma, malignant · United States
- American Cancer SocietyMesothelioma, malignant · United States
- American Lung AssociationMesothelioma, malignant · United States
- Mesothelioma Applied Research FoundationMesothelioma, malignant · United States
- Mesothelioma GuideMesothelioma, malignant · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Mesothelioma, malignant.
Explore research for Mesothelioma, malignant
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