Mesothelioma Information

What You Need to Know: Asbestos Cancer & Litigation

Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which 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. There are several physicians including surgeons, surgical oncologists and oncologists who have experience in diagnosing and treating mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Causation

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that has been mined for centuries. Several different types of asbestos exist such as “white asbestos” or chrysotile, "brown asbestos" or amosite, and “blue asbestos” or riebeckite. Learn more on the risks of asbestos, early detection, the tragic story of Libby, Montana, the disease epidemic and learn about chrysotile asbestos.

Click here to view an excellent video on how asbestos fibers enter the human body. Video courtesy of Laurie Kazan-Allen founder of British Asbestos Newsletter and IBAS (International Ban Asbestos Secretariat).

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Diagnosing mesothelioma can be difficult. Mesothelioma is often diagnosed as a lung cancer or initially as pneumonia. There are several tests that a physician may have the patient undergo.

Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Depending on several factors, including cell type, staging, and previous health conditions, a recently diagnosed mesothelioma patient may have several choices concerning treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. There also may be several active clinical trials seeking candidates.

Mesothelioma Treatment Centers

Looking for treatment centers in California or along the West Coast or elsewhere in the U.S.A.? We can connect you with some of the top centers and physicians.

Medical Costs of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is expensive. Not only does the cancer itself exact a heavy toll on the patient, it can also blow apart his or her savings. To live longer, patients need to be prepared to pay more. Mesothelioma patients who are fortunate enough to be eligible for multi-modal therapies must fork over high deductibles, if they have insurance, or drain their life savings, if they don’t.