Mesothelioma resources package with book entitled The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen

Trusted Resources For Families Fighting Malignant Mesothelioma

The Bestselling Cancer Fighting Cookbook
100 Answers to Top Mesothelioma Questions
Advice from 101 Cancer Caregivers

“The package we received on mesothelioma is excellent and very well put together. We knew nothing about mesothelioma and this was the greatest resource we could get.”

Hubert, Pleural Mesothelioma Patient in Massachusetts

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Understanding Malignant Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure and it is often misunderstood.

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can feel overwhelming and frightening, but please know you are not alone in this fight.

Whether you or a loved one has been diagnosed, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Our goal is to help you make sense of the diagnosis, empower you with knowledge, and provide the resources you and your family need to navigate this journey with confidence and hope:

Better Understand Mesothelioma

Steve, pleural mesothelioma patient and resource recipient

“If you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma, move on it, and do it immediately, because it’s important. We don’t know how much time we have.”
Steve, Pleural Mesothelioma Patient and Resource Recipient

Mesothelioma Stages

Early detection of mesothelioma offers the best chance for treatment and improved outcomes, as the cancer is smaller and localized at this stage.

For pleural mesothelioma, specialists use a four-stage system (TNM) to determine how far the cancer has spread. This staging system helps guide treatment decisions and personalized care:

01

Stage 1: The cancer is in its original location (such as the lining of a lung) and has not spread to lymph nodes or other tissues. Stage one offers the most treatment options and the best prognosis.

02

Stage 2: The cancer has started to spread to nearby lymph nodes or deeper into the lung but remains close to the original location. Treatment may still aim to manage or potentially remove much of the cancer.

03

Stage 3: The cancer has spread more extensively to nearby tissues, organs, or lymph nodes. For pleural mesothelioma, this may include areas like the chest wall, making treatment more complex but still focused on extending survival and improving quality of life.

04

Stage 4: At this stage, the cancer has spread (metastasized) to distant parts of the body, such as other organs. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, providing comfort, and improving quality of life, rather than than attempting to control or significantly reduce the cancer.

For More Info on Mesothelioma Stages, Click Here

Marge, wife of pleural mesothelioma patient Marty

“My husband Marty had mesothelioma
long before he was diagnosed and
he was stage 4.”
Marge, Wife of Pleural Mesothelioma Patient Marty, and Resource Recipient

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Mesothelioma Survival Rates

Survival rates for mesothelioma can vary significantly based on key factors including the stage at diagnosis, the location of the tumor, the cell type, and the patient’s overall health.

Although a mesothelioma prognosis is often difficult, early detection and modern treatment advancements have helped many patients live longer and maintain a better quality of life.

Breakthrough therapies and personalized care plans continue to provide hope, offering patients and their families new possibilities for the future.

Acting quickly after a diagnosis is needed to maximize treatment options.

Better Understand Survival Rates

Robert, mesothelioma patient and resource recipient

“When they tell you: you have cancer, everything changes. They gave me hope.”
Robert, Mesothelioma Patient and Resource Recipient in Illinois

Mesothelioma Treatment

Mesothelioma treatment options are tailored to each patient’s unique diagnosis, focusing on improving outcomes, managing symptoms, and enhancing quality of life.

Depending on the stage, location, and cell type, treatments may include:

Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation Therapy
Immunotherapy
Targeted Therapy
Palliative Care
Multimodal Treatments

Request Mesothelioma Treatment Resources

Robert, pleural mesothelioma patient and resource recipient

“It’s a good thing I didn’t wait and I jumped right on it, because you wait and you’re just getting sicker.”
Robert, Pleural Mesothelioma Patient and Resource Recipient in California

7 Answers to Common Mesothelioma Questions

01 What is malignant mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the thin layers of tissue (the mesothelium) that cover and protect many internal organs.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral once widely used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries for its heat resistance and durability.

While mesothelioma most commonly affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura), it can also develop in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), the heart (pericardium), or the testicles (tunica vaginalis).

The term “malignant” signifies that this is a serious and cancerous condition that tends to grow and spread quickly without treatment. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to improving outcomes and quality of life.

02 What are the different types of mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is grouped into different types based on where it develops in the body:

• Pleural mesothelioma (lungs): The most common type of mesothelioma affecting the chest and lungs

• Peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen): Forming in the lining of the stomach

• Pericardial mesothelioma (heart): A very rare type which develops around the heart

• Testicular mesothelioma (testes): The rarest type, affecting the lining of the testes.

Knowing the type of mesothelioma is important as it can help you determine the best treatment options available and which specialists to see.

03 How do I know if I have mesothelioma?

To confirm malignant mesothelioma, a biopsy is most often performed. This involves taking a small tissue sample from the affected area and examining it under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

Before a biopsy, doctors often use imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to detect abnormalities and determine the best area for tissue sampling.

The biopsy method used varies depending on the location of the mesothelioma:

• Pleural Mesothelioma (lung lining): The most common method is a thoracoscopy (pleuroscopy). This is where a thin tube-like instrument with a light and camera (a thoracoscope) is inserted through a small incision in the chest, allowing doctors to examine the pleura directly and collect tissue samples for a precise diagnosis.

• Peritoneal Mesothelioma (abdominal lining): Diagnosis often involves a laparoscopy, where a thin flexible instrument with a light and camera (a laparoscope) is inserted into the abdominal cavity to collect tissue samples.

• Pericardial Mesothelioma (heart lining): A biopsy may involve pericardiocentesis, where fluid is removed from the heart lining (pericardium) for testing, or a more invasive surgical biopsy if needed.

• Testicular Mesothelioma (testicular lining): A tissue biopsy from the affected area of the scrotum is typically performed.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, seek guidance from a specialist as quickly as possible.

Early diagnosis and fast action can not only provide more treatment options, but also a better chance of improving survival and quality of life.

04 Should I get a second opinion after a diagnosis?

Yes, it’s always a good idea to get a second opinion.

Mesothelioma is a rare and complex disease. Confirming the diagnosis with a specialist can give you clarity and confidence in what to do next.

A second opinion may also introduce new treatment options or approaches that better fit you and your family’s needs.

05 What are treatment costs and is financial aid available?

Out-of-pocket costs for mesothelioma treatment can be incredibly high for surgery, chemotherapy, and other specialized care.

But you’re not alone—financial assistance is available. Common options include legal claims for asbestos exposure, veterans’ benefits, and support from insurance or financial aid programs.

You can call our number and one of our patient advocates will help you discover what’s available for you and we’ll do our best to support you in reducing your financial stress and burden.

06 Where can I find a mesothelioma specialist?

Finding a mesothelioma specialist is critical for receiving the best care. These experts are often found at leading cancer centers around the U.S. and have experience treating this rare disease.

Your doctor can likely help provide a referral or call us and our patient advocates can help connect you to the mesothelioma specialists best suited for you or your loved one’s specific needs.

07 Why are so many patients veterans?

Many veterans were exposed to asbestos during their military service, particularly between the 1930s and 1970s, when asbestos was heavily used in Navy ships, military buildings, aircrafts, and vehicles.

This exposure puts veterans at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma, a disease that can take decades to appear after initial exposure.

Veterans account for about 30% of all mesothelioma patients. Fortunately, there are additional veterans benefits and specialized care programs designed to support veterans and their families through this difficult journey.

Please call us if you need answers to mesothelioma veteran related questions.

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