Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer linked to asbestos exposure, but symptoms may not appear for 13–70 years. See information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by asbestos that affects the cells that make up the mesothelium. The mesothelium is the lining or membrane that covers and protects various internal organs of the body. Mesothelioma most commonly occurs in the linings of the lungs or the abdomen.
It is rare due to its latency period or the time between exposure and appearance of symptoms. On average, this disease has a range of latency between 13-70 years after inhaling or ingesting asbestos. It is a rare occurrence for its side effects to appear 10 or 20 years after exposure.
The average life expectancy is 18 to 31 months after diagnosis, but prognosis may improve with treatment. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath and general fatigue.