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Mesothelioma - Introduction

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2020

ON THIS PAGE: You will find some basic information about mesothelioma and the parts of the body it may affect. This is the first page of Cancer.Net’s Guide to Mesothelioma. Use the menu to see other pages. Think of that menu as a roadmap for this complete guide.

About cancer

Cancer begins when healthy cells change and grow out of control, forming a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor means the tumor can grow but will not spread.

About mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that begins in the lining of different internal organs of the body.

Approximately 75% to 80% of mesotheliomas begin in the lining surrounding the lungs. This is called pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma begins in the chest cavity. It does not start in the lungs and it is often incorrectly called a lung cancer.

Peritoneal mesothelioma begins in the tissue surrounding the abdominal area, called the peritoneum. About 8% of mesotheliomas are peritoneal mesothelioma.

Rare types of mesothelioma can also begin in the lining around the heart, called the pericardium, or in the lining around the testicles, called the tunica vaginalis.

Types of mesothelioma

There are 3 main types of mesothelioma:

  • Epithelioid type. About 70% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have the epithelioid type. Epithelioid mesothelioma may grow slower and chemotherapy often works better for this type.

  • Sarcomatoid type. Between 7% to 15% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have the sarcomatoid type. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma may be more resistant to treatment compared with the other 2 types of mesothelioma. Standard chemotherapy often does not work well for this type of mesothelioma.

  • Mixed, or biphasic, type. Between 10% to 20% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have the mixed type. The term “mixed” or “biphasic” means that the cancer contains both epithelioid and sarcomatoid types. Treatment does not work as well for this type when compared with the epithelioid type. However, treatment for this type often works better than for the sarcomatoid type.

The next section in this guide is StatisticsIt helps explain the number of people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma and general survival rates. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Mesothelioma - Statistics

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 03/2023

ON THIS PAGE: You will find information about the estimated number of people who will be diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. You will also read general information on surviving the disease. Remember, survival rates depend on several factors, and no 2 people with cancer are the same. Use the menu to see other pages.

Every person is different, with different factors influencing their risk of being diagnosed with this cancer and the chance of recovery after a diagnosis. It is important to talk with your doctor about any questions you have around the general statistics provided below and what they may mean for you individually. The original sources for these statistics are provided at the bottom of this page.

How many people are diagnosed with mesothelioma?

It is estimated that about 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the United States. Worldwide, an estimated 30,870 people were diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2020.

In the United States, mesothelioma occurs more often in men. It is also more common in White and Hispanic people than in Asian American or Black people. The average age for a pleural mesothelioma diagnosis is 72. The number of people diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States is no longer increasing, and it is now decreasing slightly in men.

In 2020, an estimated 26,278 people died from mesothelioma worldwide.

What is the survival rate for mesothelioma?

There are different types of statistics that can help doctors evaluate a person’s chance of recovery from mesothelioma. These are called survival statistics. A specific type of survival statistic is called the relative survival rate. It is often used to predict how having cancer may affect life expectancy. Relative survival rate looks at how likely people with mesothelioma are to survive for a certain amount of time after their initial diagnosis or start of treatment compared to the expected survival of similar people without this cancer.

Example: Here is an example to help explain what a relative survival rate means. Please note this is only an example and not specific to this type of cancer. Let’s assume that the 5-year relative survival rate for a specific type of cancer is 90%. “Percent” means how many out of 100. Imagine there are 1,000 people without cancer, and based on their age and other characteristics, you expect 900 of the 1,000 to be alive in 5 years. Also imagine there are another 1,000 people similar in age and other characteristics as the first 1,000, but they all have the specific type of cancer that has a 5-year survival rate of 90%. This means it is expected that 810 of the people with the specific cancer (90% of 900) will be alive in 5 years.

It is important to remember that statistics on the survival rates for people with mesothelioma are only an estimate. They cannot tell an individual person if cancer will or will not shorten their life. Instead, these statistics describe trends in groups of people previously diagnosed with the same disease, including specific stages of the disease.

The 5-year relative survival rate for mesothelioma in the United States is 12% because it is usually diagnosed at a late stage.

The survival rates for mesothelioma vary based on several factors. These include the stage of cancer, a person’s age and general health, and how well the treatment plan works. People diagnosed at a younger age often live longer. Another factor that can affect outcomes is the type of mesothelioma. People who are able to receive surgery generally live longer than people whose cancer has spread too far to be surgically removed.

If the cancer is found at an early, localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate for people with mesothelioma is 24%. If the cancer has spread to nearby areas and/or lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate is 16%. If the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, the 5-year relative survival rate is 7%.

Experts measure relative survival rate statistics for mesothelioma cancer every 5 years. This means the estimate may not reflect the results of advancements in how mesothelioma is diagnosed or treated from the last 5 years. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions about this information. Learn more about understanding statistics.

Statistics adapted from the websites of the American Cancer Society, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and the National Cancer Institute. (All sources accessed February 2023.)

The next section in this guide is Risk Factors. It explains the factors that may increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Mesothelioma - Risk Factors

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2020

ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about the factors that increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. Use the menu to see other pages.

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. Knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.

The following factors can raise a person’s risk of developing mesothelioma:

  • Asbestos exposure. Between 70% to 80% of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of natural minerals found in the earth. Because of its strong, flexible fibers and fire-proof properties, asbestos was once commonly added to cement, insulation, roof shingles, and other products. People involved in making products containing asbestos or installing or maintaining these products can breathe in or swallow the asbestos fibers. These fibers can also be carried in asbestos dust on clothing or personal items, exposing family members of the workers to potentially high levels of the minerals. Current safety regulations require people who work with asbestos to wear protective equipment and to shower and change clothes before leaving the workplace.

  • Smoking. By itself, smoking does not increase the risk of mesothelioma, but the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure can increase the risk of certain types of cancer in the lungs.

  • Radiation exposure.Radiation exposure may cause mesothelioma, such as when a patient has previously received radiation therapy for lymphoma.

  • Genetics. About 1% of people with mesothelioma have inherited mesothelioma, meaning the risk of developing the disease was passed from parent to child within a family. Usually, it is due to a mutation or change in a gene called BAP1.

Even though some people with mesothelioma have no known risk factors, many people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos. Therefore, it is important to always wear protective gear and follow safety precautions when working with asbestos.

The next section in this guide is Symptoms and SignsIt explains what body changes or medical problems mesothelioma can cause. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Mesothelioma - Symptoms and Signs

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2020

ON THIS PAGE: You will find out more about body changes and other things that can signal a problem that may need medical care. Use the menu to see other pages.

People with mesothelioma may experience the following symptoms or signs. Sometimes, people with mesothelioma do not have any of these changes. Or, the cause of a symptom may be a different medical condition that is not cancer. Often, symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until years or even decades after asbestos exposure.

If mesothelioma is in the chest area, called pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms may include:

  • Shortness of breath caused by a thickening of the lining around the lung that limits how much the lungs can expand

  • Build-up of fluid in the chest, called a pleural effusion

  • Chest pain

If mesothelioma is in the abdominal area, called peritoneal mesothelioma, the symptoms may include:

  • Abdominal pain

  • Abdominal swelling from a buildup of fluid, called ascites

  • Bowel obstruction

General symptoms of mesothelioma may include:

  • Weight loss

  • Fatigue

  • Problems with blood clotting

  • Fever

  • Night sweats

If you are concerned about any changes you experience, please talk with your doctor. Your doctor will ask how long and how often you’ve been experiencing the symptom(s), in addition to other questions. This is to help figure out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis.

If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. This may be called palliative care or supportive care. Be sure to talk with your health care team about the symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms.

The next section in this guide is DiagnosisIt explains what tests may be needed to learn more about the cause of the symptoms. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Mesothelioma - Diagnosis

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2020

ON THIS PAGE: You will find a list of common tests, procedures, and scans that doctors use to find the cause of a medical problem. Use the menu to see other pages.

Doctors use many tests to find, or diagnose, cancer. They also do tests to learn if cancer has spread to another part of the body from where it started. If this happens, it is called metastasis. For example, imaging tests can show if the cancer has spread. Imaging tests show pictures of the inside of the body. Doctors may also do tests to learn which treatments could work best.

For most types of cancer, a biopsy is the only sure way for the doctor to know if an area of the body has cancer. In a biopsy, the doctor takes a small sample of tissue for testing in a laboratory. If a biopsy is not possible, the doctor may suggest other tests that will help make a diagnosis.

This section describes options for diagnosing mesothelioma. Not all tests listed below will be used for every person. Your doctor may consider these factors when choosing a diagnostic test:

  • The type of cancer suspected

  • Your signs and symptoms

  • Your age and general health

  • The results of earlier medical tests

The diagnosis of mesothelioma is challenging, and it can be confused with other diseases, such as lung cancer.

Many people first notice symptoms of mesothelioma when they develop fluid in the space around the lungs or in the abdomen. Fluid around the lungs is called pleural effusion. Fluid in the abdomen is called ascites.

In addition to a physical examination, the following tests may be used to diagnose mesothelioma:

Testing fluid from the lungs or abdomen. After numbing the skin, a needle is inserted into the space between the lung and the wall of the chest or in the abdomen. When the fluid is removed, it can be analyzed to find out if there are cancer cells in it. This is often 1 of the first steps in diagnosing mesothelioma. However, testing this fluid is usually not the only test needed to diagnose the disease. A biopsy is usually needed to diagnose mesothelioma.

Biopsy. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope. Other tests can suggest that cancer is present, but only a biopsy can make a definite diagnosis. A pathologist then analyzes the sample(s). A pathologist is a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease. A biopsy is usually needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Sometimes, a needle can be used to get a sample of the lining. More often the doctor removes a tissue sample by using a thin, lighted tube inserted through a small incision in the body. This is called a video thoracoscopy when used to get samples from inside the chest. It is called a laparoscopy when used to get tissue samples from inside the abdomen. Sometimes, surgery is needed to get a sample of tissue.

The following procedures may be used to determine the cancer’s stage and help develop a treatment plan:

Physical examination and health history. Your doctor may do a physical exam and ask you questions to learn more about your health history and your risk of mesothelioma. This may include:

  • Asking about your medical history and your family’s past illnesses

  • Asking about your history of exposure to possible risk factors for mesothelioma, including asbestos exposure

  • Doing a physical exam to look for other signs of cancer and to check your current health.

Blood tests. Your doctor may recommend several blood tests to find out how well your kidneys, liver, thyroid, and bone marrow are working.

Lung function tests. Also called pulmonary function tests or PFTs, lung function tests evaluate the following:

  • How much air the lungs can hold

  • How quickly air can move in and out of the lungs

  • How well the lungs add oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the blood.

X-ray. An x-ray is a way to create a picture of the structures inside of the body using a small amount of radiation. It is not the main way to diagnose mesothelioma. But a chest x-ray can sometimes help doctors determine whether a person has mesothelioma and where it is located.

Computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body using x-rays taken from different angles. A computer combines these images into a detailed, 3-dimensional image that shows abnormalities or tumors. A CT scan can be used to measure the tumor’s size. Sometimes, a special dye called a contrast medium is given before the scan to provide better detail on the image. Depending on the part of the body being looked at, this dye can be injected into a patient’s vein or given as a pill or liquid to swallow.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses magnetic fields, not x-rays, to produce detailed images of the body. MRI can be used to measure the tumor’s size. A special dye called a contrast medium is given before the scan to create a clearer picture. This dye can be injected into a patient’s vein or given as a pill or liquid to swallow.

Positron emission tomography (PET) or PET-CT scan. A PET scan is usually combined with a CT scan (see above), called a PET-CT scanHowever, you may hear your doctor refer to this procedure just as a PET scan. A PET scan is a way to create pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. A small amount of a radiolabeled sugar substance is injected into the patient’s body. This sugar substance is taken up by cells that use the most energy. Because cancer tends to use energy actively, it absorbs more of the radiolabeled substance. A scanner then detects this substance to produce images of the inside of the body.

Molecular testing of the tumor. Your doctor may recommend running laboratory tests on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins, and other factors unique to the tumor. Results of these tests can help determine your treatment options.

After diagnostic tests are done, your doctor will review all of the results with you. If the diagnosis is cancer, these results also help the doctor describe the cancer. This is called staging.

The next section in this guide is StagesIt explains the system doctors use to describe the extent of mesothelioma. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Mesothelioma - Stages

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2020

ON THIS PAGE: You will learn about how doctors describe a cancer’s growth or spread. This is called the stage. Use the menu to see other pages.

Staging is a way of describing where the cancer is located, if or where it has spread, and whether it is affecting other parts of the body.

Doctors use diagnostic tests to find out the cancer's stage, so staging may not be complete until all the tests are finished. Knowing the stage helps the doctor to decide what kind of treatment is best and can help predict a patient's prognosis, which is the chance of recovery. There are different stage descriptions for different types of cancers.

This section describes the staging system for pleural mesothelioma. Currently, there is no standard staging system for peritoneal mesothelioma. Your doctor will talk to you about the extent of disease and what it means.

TNM staging system

One tool that doctors use to describe the stage is the TNM system. Doctors use the results from diagnostic tests and scans to answer these questions:

  • Tumor (T): How large is the primary tumor? Where is it located?

  • Node (N): Has the tumor spread to the lymph nodes? If so, where and how many?

  • Metastasis (M): Has the cancer spread to other parts of the body? If so, where and how much?

The results are combined to determine the stage of cancer for each person. There are 4 stages: stages I through IV (1 through 4). The stage provides a common way of describing the cancer, so doctors can work together to plan the best treatments.

Staging can be clinical or pathological. Clinical staging is based on the results of tests done before surgery, which may include physical examinations and imaging tests. Pathological staging is based on what is found during surgery. In general, pathological staging provides the most information to determine a patient’s prognosis.

Here are more details on each part of the TNM system for pleural mesothelioma.

Tumor (T)

Using the TNM system, the "T" plus a letter and/or number (0 to 4) is used to describe the stage of the tumor. Tumor size is measured in centimeters (cm). A centimeter is roughly equal to the width of a standard pen or pencil.

Stage may also be divided into smaller groups that help describe the tumor in even more detail. This helps the doctor develop the best treatment plan for each patient. Specific tumor stage information is listed below:

TX: The primary tumor cannot be evaluated.

T0 (T plus 0): There is no evidence of a primary tumor.

T1: The tumor is only in the thin membrane that lines the lung and inner chest walls, called the pleura, on 1 side of the body. It may or may not have grown into visceral pleura, mediastinal pleura, or diaphragmatic pleura. These are the thin membranes that line the lungs, the chest, and the muscle called the diaphragm that separates the chest cavity from the abdomen.

T2: The tumor has grown into all of the pleural surfaces on 1 side of the body and has grown into either the lung or the diaphragm.

T3: The tumor has grown into all of the pleural surfaces on 1 side of the body, with at least 1 of the following:

  • Growth to the membrane that surrounds the thorax, called the endothoracic fascia

  • Growth to the area of the chest between the lungs, called the mediastinum

  • Growth to a single area of the muscles of the chest wall

  • Minimal growth to the lining around the heart, called the pericardium

T4: The tumor has grown into all of the pleural surfaces on 1 side of the body, and has grown to at least 1 of the following areas:

  • Several areas of the chest wall with or without growth into the rib

  • Through the diaphragm to the abdominal cavity

  • Any mediastinal organ(s), such as large blood vessels

  • The pleura on the other side of the chest

  • The spine

  • Though the pericardium which may cause fluid buildup, or growth to the heart

Node (N)

The “N” in the TNM staging system stands for lymph nodes. These small, bean-shaped organs help fight infection. Lymph nodes near the chest are called regional lymph nodes. Lymph nodes in other parts of the body are called distant lymph nodes.

NX: The regional lymph nodes cannot be evaluated.

N0 (N plus zero): Cancer has not spread to the regional lymph nodes.

N1: Cancer has spread to the bronchopulmonary lymph nodes that are located within the lungs on 1 side of the body and/or hilar lymph node(s) that are located near the larger airways of the lungs. It may have also spread to other the lymph nodes in the chest on 1 side of the body, including the internal mammary lymph nodes near the breast bone, the peridiaphragmatic lymph nodes surrounding the diaphragm, the intercostal lymph nodes between the ribs, or the fat surrounding the heart.

N2: Cancer has spread to the mediastinal lymph nodes on both sides of the body, the internal mammary lymph nodes, and/or the supraclavicular lymph node(s) above the collar bone on 1 or both sides of the body.

Metastasis (M)

The “M” in the TNM system indicates whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, called distant metastasis.

M0 (M plus zero): Cancer has not spread to other parts of the body.

M1: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Cancer stage grouping

Doctors assign the stage of the cancer by combining the T, N, and M classifications.

Stage IA: The tumor has grown into the pleura on 1 side of the body and may or may not have grown into the visceral pleura, mediastinal pleura, or the diaphragmatic pleura. It has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body (T1, N0, M0).

Stage IB: The tumor is defined as T2 or T3 (see above). It has not spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body (T2 or T3, N0, M0).

Stage II: The tumor is defined as T1 or T2 (see above). It has not spread to the lymph nodes or throughout the body (T1 or T2, N0, M0).

Stage IIIA: The tumor is defined as T3 (see above). Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes described above as N1 but not to other parts of the body (T3, N1, M0).

Stage IIIB: Any of the following conditions:

  • The tumor is defined as T1, T2, or T3 (see above). Cancer has spread to the lymph nodes described above as N2 but not to other parts of the body (T1, T2, or T3, N2, M0).

  • The tumor is defined as T4 (see above). Cancer may or may not have spread to the lymph nodes but has not spread to other parts of the body (T4, any N, M0).

Stage IV: Cancer may or may not have spread to the lymph nodes and has spread to other parts of the body (any T, any N, M1).

Recurrent: Recurrent cancer is cancer that has come back after treatment. It may return in the chest or in another part of the body. If the cancer does return, there will be another round of tests to learn about the extent of the recurrence. These tests and scans are often similar to those done at the time of the original diagnosis.

Used with permission of the American College of Surgeons, Chicago, Illinois. The original and primary source for this information is the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, Eighth Edition (2017) published by Springer International Publishing.

Information about the cancer’s stage will help the doctor recommend a specific treatment plan. The next section in this guide is Types of Treatment. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide. 

Mesothelioma - Types of Treatment

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2020

ON THIS PAGE: You will learn about the different types of treatments doctors use for people with mesothelioma. Use the menu to see other pages.

This section explains the types of treatments that are the standard of care for mesothelioma. “Standard of care” means the best treatments known. When making treatment plan decisions, you are encouraged to consider clinical trials as an option. A clinical trial is a research study that tests a new approach to treatment. Doctors want to learn whether the new treatment is safe, effective, and possibly better than the standard treatment. Clinical trials can test a new drug, a new combination of standard treatments, or new doses of standard drugs or other treatments. Clinical trials are an option to consider for treatment and care for all stages of cancer. Your doctor can help you consider all your treatment options. Learn more about clinical trials in the About Clinical Trials and Latest Research sections of this guide.

Treatment overview

In cancer care, different types of doctors often work together to create a patient’s overall treatment plan that combines different types of treatments. This is called a multidisciplinary teamCancer care teams include a variety of other health care professionals, such as physician assistants, oncology nurses, social workers, pharmacists, counselors, dietitians, and others.

Descriptions of the common types of treatments used for both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are listed below. Your care plan also includes treatment for symptoms and side effects, an important part of cancer care.

Treatment options and recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, possible side effects, and the patient’s preferences and overall health. Take time to learn about all of your treatment options and be sure to ask questions about things that are unclear. Talk with your doctor about the goals of each treatment and what you can expect while receiving the treatment. These types of talks are called "shared decision making." Shared decision making is when you and your doctors work together to choose treatments that fit the goals of your care. Shared decision making is particularly important for mesothelioma because there are different treatment options. Learn more about making treatment decisions.

Information on pleural mesothelioma is based on ASCO recommendations for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Please note this link takes you to another ASCO website.

Surgery

Surgery is the removal of the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue during an operation. A surgical oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer using surgery. The type of surgery for mesothelioma depends on the stage and location of the cancer.

  • Pleural mesothelioma. For people with pleural mesothelioma, the surgeon may remove the cancerous lining around the lung. This procedure is called a pleurectomy/decortication. Generally, the tumor cannot be completely removed with a pleurectomy/decortication. A more aggressive surgery for pleural mesothelioma is called an extrapleural pneumonectomy. This is the removal of the lining of the lung, the entire lung, a portion of the diaphragm, and often a portion of the lining around the heart. This is a difficult surgery and is recommended only after the doctor has reviewed many factors, including the patient’s overall health and the stage of the disease. Additional treatment after surgery such as chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are often recommended (see below). Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may also be given before surgery.

  • Peritoneal mesothelioma. People with peritoneal mesothelioma may often have a surgery called an omentectomy. An omentectomy is the removal of the lining around the abdominal organs. Since people with peritoneal mesothelioma often have tumors throughout the entire abdomen, it is difficult to remove all of them. The goal of surgery is to leave behind tumors that are as small as possible. After surgery, chemotherapy may be placed directly into the abdomen (see Therapies using medication, below).

Before surgery, talk with your health care team about possible side effects from the specific surgery you will have. Learn more about the basics of cancer surgery.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is the use of high-energy x-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells. A doctor who specializes in giving radiation therapy to treat cancer is called a radiation oncologist. The most common type of radiation treatment is called external-beam radiation, which is radiation given from a machine outside the body.

A radiation therapy regimen, or schedule, usually consists of a specific number of treatments given over a set period of time.

  • Pleural mesothelioma. It is challenging to treat pleural mesothelioma with radiation therapy because of the risk of damaging the lung. When 1 of the 2 lungs has been surgically removed, radiation therapy is often given to the chest cavity to lower the risk of the mesothelioma returning in the chest. For example, this approach may be used after an extrapleural pneumonectomy (see Surgery, above). For some patients, radiation therapy may be given to a smaller area as supportive care to help relieve symptoms such as pain (see Physical, emotional, and social effects of cancer, below).

  • Peritoneal mesothelioma. For people with peritoneal mesothelioma, radiation therapy to the entire abdomen causes severe side effects and is not done. If a patient has pain in a specific area, radiation therapy may be a supportive care option to help relieve pain (see Physical, emotional, and social effects of cancer, below).

Side effects from radiation therapy may include tiredness, mild skin reactions, upset stomach, and loose bowel movements. Most side effects go away soon after treatment is finished. Learn more about the basics of radiation therapy.

Therapies using medication

Systemic therapy is the use of medication to destroy cancer cells. This type of medication is given through the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body. Systemic therapies are generally prescribed by a medical oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating cancer with medication.

Common ways to give systemic therapies include an intravenous (IV) tube placed into a vein using a needle or in a pill or capsule that is swallowed (orally).

The types of systemic therapies used for mesothelioma include:

  • Chemotherapy

  • Targeted therapy

  • Immunotherapy

Each of these types of therapies is discussed below in more detail. A person may receive 1 type of systemic therapy at a time or a combination of systemic therapies given at the same time. They can also be given as part of a treatment plan that includes surgery and/or radiation therapy.

The medications used to treat cancer are continually being evaluated. Talking with your doctor is often the best way to learn about the medications prescribed for you, their purpose, and their potential side effects or interactions with other medications. It is also important to let your doctors know if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements. Herbs, supplements, and other drugs can interact with cancer medications. Learn more about your prescriptions by using searchable drug databases.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the most common type of systemic therapy used for mesothelioma. It usually works by keeping the cancer cells from growing, dividing, and making more cells.

A chemotherapy regimen, or schedule, usually consists of a specific number of cycles given over a set period of time. A patient may receive 1 drug at a time or a combination of different drugs given at the same time.

  • Pleural mesothelioma. The recommended treatment for patients who haven’t yet received treatment is the combination of pemetrexed (Alimta) and cisplatin (Platinol) or carboplatin (Paraplatin). These medications are given once every 3 weeks. Each 3-week period is called a cycle. People may receive 4 to 6 treatment cycles. Some people may receive additional therapy, called maintenance therapy, after the treatment cycles. There can be significant side effects with this combination of drugs. Some patients may receive a single drug if there are too many side effects from giving both drugs. Bevacizumab (see Targeted therapy, below) may be added to chemotherapy for some patients.

  • Peritoneal mesothelioma. As mentioned in the Surgery section (above), chemotherapy is often given directly into the abdomen after surgery. Delivering chemotherapy through an IV (through a vein; intravenously) is also used. Like pleural mesothelioma, the drug combination of pemetrexed with cisplatin or carboplatin is most often used for treatment.

The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the individual and the dose used, but they can include fatigue, risk of infection, nausea and vomiting, hair loss, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. The most common side effects from the drugs used to treat mesothelioma include damage to the kidneys, numbness and tingling in the fingers or toes, rash, a higher risk of infection from a low white blood count, or anemia. Patients may experience other side effects as well. Patients receiving these types of chemotherapy are given the vitamins B12 and folic acid to lower the risk of these side effects. Other medications, such as those used to prevent vomiting, are also available to relieve many of these side effects. These side effects usually go away after treatment is finished. Talk with your doctor about possible side effects of your chemotherapy plan and how they can be managed.

Learn more about the basics of chemotherapy.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is a treatment that targets the cancer’s specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival. This type of treatment blocks the growth and spread of cancer cells while limiting damage to healthy cells.

Not all tumors have the same targets. To find the most effective treatment, your doctor may run tests to identify the genes, proteins, and other factors in your tumor. This helps doctors better match each patient with the most effective treatment whenever possible. In addition, research studies continue to find out more about specific molecular targets and new treatments directed at them. Learn more about the basics of targeted treatments.

For pleural mesothelioma, the drug bevacizumab (Avastin) may be added to chemotherapy for patients who do not have health problems that would prevent them from receiving it. Bevacizumab is a type of drug called an anti-angiogenic targeted therapy. Anti-angiogenesis is focused on stopping angiogenesis, which is the process of making new blood vessels. Because a tumor needs the nutrients delivered by blood vessels to grow and spread, the goal of anti-angiogenesis therapies is to “starve” the tumor. Talk with your doctor about possible side effects for a specific medication and how they can be managed.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, also called biologic therapy, is designed to boost the body's natural defenses to fight the cancer. It uses materials made either by the body or in a laboratory to improve, target, or restore immune system function.

For pleural mesothelioma that cannot be treated with surgery, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a combination of the immunotherapy drugs ipilimumab (Yervoy) and nivolumab (Opdivo) as a first-line treatment. This combination is approved for use in people with all types of pleural mesothelioma, but people with biphasic or sarcomatoid mesothelioma saw more improvement in research studies.

For mesothelioma, pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab may be options for patients who have already received chemotherapy.

Different types of immunotherapy can cause different side effects. Common side effects include skin reactions, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, and weight changes. Talk with your doctor about possible side effects for the immunotherapy recommended for you. Learn more about the basics of immunotherapy.

Physical, emotional, and social effects of cancer

Cancer and its treatment cause physical symptoms and side effects, as well as emotional, social, and financial effects. Managing all of these effects is called palliative care or supportive care. It is an important part of your care that is included along with treatments intended to slow, stop, or eliminate the cancer.

Palliative care focuses on improving how you feel during treatment by managing symptoms and supporting patients and their families with other, non-medical needs. Any person, regardless of age or type and stage of cancer, may receive this type of care. And it often works best when it is started right after a cancer diagnosis. People who receive palliative care along with treatment for the cancer often have less severe symptoms, better quality of life, and report they are more satisfied with treatment.

Palliative treatments vary widely and often include medication, nutritional changes, relaxation techniques, emotional and spiritual support, and other therapies. You may also receive palliative treatments similar to those meant to get rid of the cancer, such as chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation therapy. For example, as mentioned above, radiation therapy may be used to relieve pain.

Before treatment begins, talk with your doctor about the goals of each treatment in the treatment plan. You should also talk about the possible side effects of the specific treatment plan and palliative care options.

During treatment, your health care team may ask you to answer questions about your symptoms and side effects and to describe each problem. Be sure to tell the health care team if you are experiencing a problem. This helps the health care team treat any symptoms and side effects as quickly as possible. It can also help prevent more serious problems in the future.

Learn more about the importance of tracking side effects in another part of this guide. Learn more about palliative care in a separate section of this website.

Metastatic mesothelioma

If cancer spreads to another part in the body from where it started, doctors call it metastatic cancer. If this happens, it is a good idea to talk with doctors who have experience in treating it. Doctors can have different opinions about the best standard treatment plan. Clinical trials might also be an option. Learn more about getting a second opinion before starting treatment, so you are comfortable with your chosen treatment plan.

Your treatment plan may include a combination of the treatments above, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic therapy using medication. Palliative care will also be important to help relieve symptoms and side effects.

For most people, a diagnosis of metastatic cancer is very stressful and, at times, difficult to bear. You and your family are encouraged to talk about how you feel with doctors, nurses, social workers, or other members of the health care team. It may also be helpful to talk with other patients, including through a support group.

Chance of recurrence

When cancer cannot be detected in the body and there are no symptoms, it may be called having “no evidence of disease” or NED.

Having NED may be temporary or permanent. This uncertainty causes many people to worry that the cancer will come back. It is important to talk with your doctor about the possibility of the cancer returning. Understanding your risk of recurrence and the treatment options may help you feel more prepared if the cancer does return. Learn more about coping with the fear of recurrence.

If the cancer returns after the original treatment, it is called recurrent cancer. It may come back in the same place (called a local recurrence), nearby (regional recurrence), or in another place (distant recurrence).

When this occurs, a new cycle of testing will begin again to learn as much as possible about the recurrence. After this testing is done, you and your doctor will talk about the treatment options. Often the treatment plan will include the treatments described above such as surgery, systemic therapy using medication, and radiation therapy, but they may be used in a different combination or given at a different pace. Your doctor may suggest clinical trials that are studying new ways to treat this type of recurrent cancer. Whichever treatment plan you choose, palliative care will be important for relieving symptoms and side effects.

People with recurrent cancer often experience emotions such as disbelief or fear. You are encouraged to talk with the health care team about these feelings and ask about support services to help you cope. Learn more about dealing with cancer recurrence.

If treatment does not work

Recovery from mesothelioma is not always possible. If the cancer cannot be cured or controlled, the disease may be called advanced or terminal.

This diagnosis is stressful, and for many people, advanced cancer is difficult to discuss. However, it is important to have open and honest conversations with your health care team to express your feelings, preferences, and concerns. The health care team has special skills, experience, and knowledge to support patients and their families and is there to help. Making sure a person is physically comfortable, free from pain, and emotionally supported is extremely important.

People who have advanced cancer and who are expected to live less than 6 months may want to consider hospice care. Hospice care is designed to provide the best possible quality of life for people who are near the end of life. You and your family are encouraged to talk with the health care team about hospice care options, which include hospice care at home, a special hospice center, or other health care locations. Nursing care and special equipment can make staying at home a workable option for many families. Learn more about advanced cancer care planning.

After the death of a loved one, many people need support to help them cope with the loss. Learn more about grief and loss.

The next section in this guide is About Clinical TrialsIt offers more information about research studies that are focused on finding better ways to care for people with cancer. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Mesothelioma - About Clinical Trials

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ON THIS PAGE: You will learn more about clinical trials, which are the main way that new medical approaches are tested to see how well they work. Use the menu to see other pages.

What are clinical trials?

Doctors and scientists are always looking for better ways to care for people with mesothelioma. To make scientific advances, doctors create research studies involving volunteers, called clinical trials. In fact, every drug that is now approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was tested in clinical trials.

Clinical trials are used for all types and stages of mesothelioma. Many focus on new treatments to learn if they are safe, effective, and possibly better than the existing treatments. These types of studies evaluate new drugs, different combinations of treatments, new approaches to radiation therapy or surgery, and new methods of treatment.

People who participate in clinical trials can be some of the first to get a treatment before it is available to the public. But there are some risks with a clinical trial, including possible side effects and the chance that the new treatment may not work. People are encouraged to talk with their health care team about the pros and cons of joining a specific study.

Some clinical trials study new ways to relieve symptoms and side effects during treatment. Others study ways to manage the late effects that may happen a long time after treatment. Talk with your doctor about clinical trials for symptoms and side effects.

Deciding to join a clinical trial

People decide to participate in clinical trials for many reasons. For some people, a clinical trial is the best treatment option available. Because standard treatments are not perfect, patients are often willing to face the added uncertainty of a clinical trial in the hope of a better result. Other people volunteer for clinical trials because they know that these studies are a way to contribute to the progress in treating mesothelioma. Even if they do not benefit directly from the clinical trial, their participation may benefit future patients with mesothelioma.

Insurance coverage and the costs of clinical trials differ by location and by study. In some programs, some of the expenses from participating in the clinical trial are reimbursed. In others, they are not. It is important to talk with the research team and your insurance company first to learn if and how your treatment in a clinical trial will be covered. Learn more about health insurance coverage of clinical trials.

Sometimes people have concerns that, in a clinical trial, they may receive no treatment by being given a placebo or a “sugar pill.” When used, placebos are usually combined with standard treatment in most cancer clinical trials. When a placebo is used in a study, it is done with the full knowledge of the participants. Find out more about placebos in cancer clinical trials.

Patient safety and informed consent

To join a clinical trial, people must participate in a process known as informed consent. During informed consent, the doctor should:

  • Describe all of the treatment options so that the person understands how the new treatment differs from the standard treatment.

  • List all of the risks of the new treatment, which may or may not be different from the risks of standard treatment.

  • Explain what will be required of each person in order to participate in the clinical trial, including the number of doctor visits, tests, and the schedule of treatment.

Clinical trials also have certain rules called “eligibility criteria” that help structure the research and keep patients safe. You and the research team will carefully review these criteria together.

People who participate in a clinical trial may stop participating at any time for personal or medical reasons. This may include that the new treatment is not working or there are serious side effects. Clinical trials are also closely monitored by experts who watch for any problems with each study. It is important that people participating in a clinical trial talk with their doctor and researchers about who will be providing their treatment and care during the clinical trial, after the clinical trial ends, and/or if they choose to leave the clinical trial before it ends.

Finding a clinical trial

Research through clinical trials is ongoing for all types of cancer. For specific topics being studied for mesothelioma, learn more in the Latest Research section.

Cancer.Net offers a lot of information about cancer clinical trials in other areas of the website, including a complete section on clinical trials and places to search for clinical trials for a specific type of cancer.

PRE-ACT, Preparatory Education About Clinical TrialsIn addition, you can find a free video-based educational program about cancer clinical trials in another section of this website

The next section in this guide is Latest ResearchIt explains areas of scientific research for mesothelioma. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Mesothelioma - Latest Research

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2020

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about the scientific research being done to learn more about mesothelioma and how to treat it. Use the menu to see other pages.

Doctors are working to learn more about mesothelioma, ways to prevent it, how to best treat it, and how to provide the best care to people diagnosed with mesothelioma. The following areas of research may include new options for patients through clinical trials. Always talk with your doctor about the best diagnostic and treatment options for you.

  • New treatment approaches. Researchers are evaluating several promising new drugs, including immunotherapy. As explained in Types of Treatment, immunotherapy is designed to boost the body's natural defenses to fight the cancer. It uses materials made either by the body or in a laboratory to improve or restore immune system function. Other treatment approaches such as gene therapy and new methods of radiation therapy are also being researched.

  • Genetics of mesothelioma. Research is underway to find genetic changes that may cause mesothelioma. Other studies focus on finding specific blood markers that could help detect early-stage mesothelioma. Blood markers are substances found in higher than normal amounts in the blood of someone with cancer.

  • Palliative care/supportive care. Clinical trials are underway to find better ways of reducing symptoms and side effects of current mesothelioma treatments to improve comfort and quality of life for patients.

Looking for More About the Latest Research?

If you would like additional information about the latest areas of research regarding mesothelioma, explore these related items that take you outside of this guide:

The next section in this guide is Coping with TreatmentIt offers some guidance in how to cope with the physical, emotional, social, and financial changes that cancer and its treatment can bring. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Mesothelioma - Coping with Treatment

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2020

ON THIS PAGE: You will learn more about coping with the physical, emotional, social, and financial effects of cancer and its treatment. Use the menu to see other pages.

Every cancer treatment can cause side effects or changes to your body and how you feel. For many reasons, people do not experience the same side effects even when they are given the same treatment for the same type of cancer. This can make it hard to predict how you will feel during treatment.

As you prepare to start cancer treatment, it is normal to fear treatment-related side effectsIt may help to know that your health care team will work to prevent and relieve side effects. Doctors call this part of cancer treatment “palliative care” or "supportive care." It is an important part of your treatment plan, regardless of your age or the stage of disease.

Coping with physical side effects

Common physical side effects from each treatment option for mesothelioma are listed in the Types of Treatment section. Learn more about side effects of cancer and its treatment, along with ways to prevent or control themChanges to your physical health depend on several factors, including the cancer’s stage, the length and dose of treatment, and your general health.

Talk with your health care team regularly about how you are feeling. It is important to let them know about any new side effects or changes in existing side effects. If they know how you are feeling, they can find ways to relieve or manage your side effects to help you feel more comfortable and potentially keep any side effects from worsening.

You may find it helpful to keep track of your side effects so it is easier to explain any changes with your health care team. Learn more about why tracking side effects is helpful.

Sometimes, physical side effects can last after treatment ends. Doctors call these long-term side effects. They call side effects that occur months or years after treatment late effects. Treating long-term side effects and late effects is an important part of survivorship care. Learn more by reading the Follow-up Care section of this guide or talking with your doctor.

Coping with emotional and social effects

You can have emotional and social effects after a cancer diagnosis. This may include dealing with difficult emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, or anger, or managing your stress level. Sometimes, people find it difficult to express how they feel to their loved ones. Some have found that talking to an oncology social worker, counselor, or member of the clergy can help them develop more effective ways of coping and talking about cancer.

You can also find coping strategies for emotional and social effects in a separate section of this website. This section includes many resources for finding support and information to meet your needs.

Coping with the costs of cancer care

Cancer treatment can be expensive. It is often a big source of stress and anxiety for people with cancer and their families. In addition to treatment costs, many people find they have extra, unplanned expenses related to their care. For some people, the high cost of medical care stops them from following or completing their cancer treatment plan. This can put their health at risk and may lead to higher costs in the future. Patients and their families are encouraged to talk about financial concerns with a member of their health care team. Learn more about managing financial considerations in a separate part of this website.

Caring for a loved one with cancer

Family members and friends often play an important role in taking care of a person with mesothelioma. This is called being a caregiver. Caregivers can provide physical, practical, and emotional support to the patient, even if they live far away.

Caregivers may have a range of responsibilities on a daily or as-needed basis, including:

  • Providing support and encouragement

  • Talking with the health care team

  • Giving medications

  • Helping manage symptoms and side effects

  • Coordinating medical appointments

  • Providing a ride to and from appointments

  • Assisting with meals

  • Helping with household chores

  • Handling insurance and billing issues

Learn more about caregiving.

Talking with your health care team about side effects

Before starting treatment, talk with your doctor about possible side effects. Ask:

  • Which side effects are most likely?

  • When are they likely to happen?

  • What can we do to prevent or relieve them?

Be sure to tell your health care team about any side effects that happen during treatment and afterward, too. Tell them even if you do no think the side effects are serious. This discussion should include physical, emotional, social, and financial effects of cancer.

Also, ask how much care you may need at home and with daily tasks during and after treatment. This can help you make a caregiving plan. Create a caregiving plan with this 1-page fact sheet that includes an action plan to help make caregiving a team effort. This free fact sheet is available as a PDF, so it is easy to print.

Looking for More on How to Track Side Effects?

Cancer.Net offers several resources to help you keep track of your symptoms and side effects. Please note that these links will take you to other sections of Cancer.Net:

The next section in this guide is Follow-up CareIt explains the importance of check-ups after cancer treatment is finished. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Mesothelioma - Follow-Up Care

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2020

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about your medical care after cancer treatment is completed, and why this follow-up care is important. Use the menu to see other pages.

Care for people diagnosed with cancer does not end when active treatment has finished. Your health care team will continue to check that the cancer has not come back, manage any side effects, and monitor your overall health. This is called follow-up care.

Your follow-up care may include regular physical examinations, medical tests, or both. Doctors want to keep track of your recovery in the months and years ahead.

Cancer rehabilitation may be recommended, and this could mean any of a wide range of services, such as physical therapy, career counseling, pain management, nutritional planning, and/or emotional counseling. The goal of rehabilitation is to help people regain control over many aspects of their lives and remain as independent and productive as possible. Learn more about cancer rehabilitation.

Learn more about the importance of follow-up care.

Watching for recurrence

One goal of follow-up care is to check for a recurrence, which means that the cancer has come back. Cancer recurs because small areas of cancer cells may remain undetected in the body. Over time, these cells may increase in number until they show up on test results or cause signs or symptoms. During follow-up care, a doctor familiar with your medical history can give you personalized information about your risk of recurrence. Your doctor will ask specific questions about your health. Some people may have blood tests or imaging tests done as part of regular follow-up care, but testing recommendations depend on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer first diagnosed and the types of treatment given.

The anticipation before having a follow-up test or waiting for test results can add stress to you or a family member. This is sometimes called “scan-xiety.” Learn more about how to cope with this type of stress.

Managing long-term and late side effects

Most people expect to experience side effects when receiving treatment. However, it is often surprising to survivors that some side effects may linger beyond the treatment period. These are called long-term side effects. Other side effects called late effects may develop months or even years afterwards. Long-term and late effects can include both physical and emotional changes.

Talk with your doctor about your risk of developing such side effects based on the type of cancer, your individual treatment plan, and your overall health. If you had a treatment known to cause specific late effects, you may have certain physical examinations, scans, or blood tests to help find and manage them.

Keeping personal health records

You and your doctor should work together to develop a personalized follow-up care plan. Be sure to discuss any concerns you have about your future physical or emotional health. ASCO offers forms to help keep track of the cancer treatment you received and develop a survivorship care plan when treatment is completed.

This is also a good time to talk with your doctors about who will lead your follow-up care. Some survivors continue to see their oncologist, while others transition back to the care of their family doctor or another health care professional. This decision depends on several factors, including the type and stage of cancer, side effects, health insurance rules, and your personal preferences.

If a doctor who was not directly involved in your cancer care will lead your follow-up care, be sure to share your cancer treatment summary and survivorship care plan forms with them and with all future health care providers. Details about your cancer treatment are very valuable to the health care professionals who will care for you throughout your lifetime.

The next section in this guide is SurvivorshipIt describes how to cope with challenges in everyday life after a cancer diagnosis. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Mesothelioma - Survivorship

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2020

ON THIS PAGE: You will read about how to cope with challenges in everyday life after a cancer diagnosis. Use the menu to see other pages.

What is survivorship?

The word “survivorship” means different things to different people. Common definitions include:

  • Having no signs of cancer after finishing treatment.

  • Living with, through, and beyond cancer. According to this definition, cancer survivorship begins at diagnosis and continues during treatment and through the rest of a person's life.

Survivorship is one of the most complicated parts of having cancer. This is because it is different for everyone. Some people continue to receive cancer treatment for a long time to reduce the risk of recurrence or to manage the cancer as a chronic disease. Learn more about living with chronic cancer.

Survivors may experience a mixture of strong feelings, including joy, concern, relief, guilt, and fear. Some people say they appreciate life more after a cancer diagnosis and have gained a greater acceptance of themselves. Others become very anxious about their health and uncertain about coping with everyday life.

Survivors may feel some stress when their frequent visits to the health care team end after completing treatment. Often, relationships built with the cancer care team provide a sense of security during treatment, and people miss this source of support. This may be especially true when new worries and challenges surface over time, such as any late effects of treatment, emotional challenges including fear of recurrence, sexual health and fertility concerns, and financial and workplace issues.

Every survivor has individual concerns and challenges. With any challenge, a good first step is being able to recognize your fears and talk about them. Effective coping requires:

  • Understanding the challenge you are facing

  • Thinking through solutions

  • Asking for and allowing the support of others

  • Feeling comfortable with the course of action you choose

Many survivors find it helpful to join an in-person support group or an online community of survivors. This allows you to talk with people who have had similar first-hand experiences. Other options for finding support include talking with a friend or member of your health care team, individual counseling, or asking for assistance at the learning resource center of the place where you received treatment.

Changing role of caregivers

Family members and friends may also go through periods of transition. A caregiver plays a very important role in supporting a person diagnosed with cancer, providing physical, emotional, and practical care on a daily or as-needed basis. Many caregivers become focused on providing this support, especially if the treatment period lasts for many months or longer.

However, as treatment is completed, the caregiver's role often changes. Eventually, the need for caregiving related to the cancer diagnosis will become much less or come to an end. Caregivers can learn more about adjusting to life after caregiving.

A new perspective on your health

For many people, survivorship serves as a strong motivator to make lifestyle changes.

People recovering from mesothelioma are encouraged to follow established guidelines for good health, such as not smoking, limiting alcohol, eating well, and managing stress. Regular physical activity can help rebuild your strength and energy level. Your health care team can help you create an appropriate exercise plan based upon your needs, physical abilities, and fitness level. Learn more about making healthy lifestyle choices.

It is important to have recommended medical checkups and tests (see Follow-up Care) to take care of your health.

Talk with your health care team to develop a survivorship care plan that is best for your needs.

Looking for More Survivorship Resources?

For more information about cancer survivorship, explore these related items. Please note that these links will take you to other sections of Cancer.Net:

  • ASCO Answers Cancer Survivorship Guide: Get this 44-page booklet that helps people transition into life after treatment. It includes blank treatment summary and survivorship care plan forms. The free booklet is available as a PDF, so it is easy to print out.
  • Cancer.Net Patient Education Video: View a short video led by an ASCO expert that provides information about what comes after finishing treatment.

  • Survivorship Resources: Cancer.Net offers an entire area of this website with resources to help survivors, including those in different age groups.

The next section offers Questions to Ask the Health Care Team to help start conversations with your cancer care team. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Mesothelioma - Questions to Ask the Health Care Team

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2020

ON THIS PAGE: You will find some questions to ask your doctor or other members of the health care team, to help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, and overall care. Use the menu to see other pages.

Talking often with the health care team is important to make informed decisions about your health care. These suggested questions are a starting point to help you learn more about your cancer care and treatment. You are also encouraged to ask additional questions that are important to you. You may want to print this list and bring it to your next appointment. It may also be helpful to ask a family member or friend to come with you to appointments to help take notes.

Questions to ask after getting a diagnosis

  • What type of mesothelioma do I have?

  • Where exactly is the tumor located?

  • Can you explain my pathology report (laboratory test results) to me?

  • What is the stage of the cancer? What does this mean?

  • What is my prognosis?

Questions to ask about choosing a treatment and managing side effects

  • What treatment options are available?

  • What clinical trials are available for me? Where are they located, and how do I find out more about them?

  • What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?

  • What is the goal of each treatment? Is it to eliminate the cancer, help me feel better, or both?

  • Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?

  • Who will be leading my overall treatment?

  • Where will my treatment take place? How many people with mesothelioma are treated there each year?

  • What are the possible side effects of this treatment, both in the short term and the long term?

  • How can I keep myself as healthy as possible during treatment?

  • In addition to treating my cancer, what can be done to treat my symptoms and side effects (such as pain medications or appetite stimulants)?

  • How will this treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?

  • Could this treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?

  • Could this treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before cancer treatment begins?

  • If I’m worried about managing the costs of cancer care, who can help me?

  • What support services are available to me? To my family?

  • If I have questions or problems, who should I call?

Questions to ask about having surgery

  • What type of surgery will I have? Will lymph nodes be removed?

  • How long will the operation take?

  • How long will I be in the hospital?

  • Can you describe what my recovery from surgery will be like?

  • Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?

  • What are the possible long-term effects of having this surgery?

  • Will I need additional treatment after surgery?

Questions to ask about having radiation therapy or therapies using medication

  • What type of treatment is recommended?

  • What is the goal of this treatment?

  • How long will it take to give this treatment?

  • Will I receive this treatment at a hospital or clinic? Or will I take it at home?

  • What side effects can I expect during treatment?

  • Who should I contact about any side effects I experience? And how soon?

  • What are the possible long-term side effects of having this treatment?

  • What can be done to relieve the side effects?

Questions to ask about planning follow-up care

  • What is the chance that the cancer will come back? Should I watch for specific signs or symptoms?

  • What long-term side effects or late effects are possible based on the cancer treatment I received?

  • What follow-up tests will I need, and how often will those tests be needed?

  • How do I get a treatment summary and survivorship care plan to keep in my personal records?

  • Who will be leading my follow-up care?

  • What survivorship support services are available to me? To my family?

The next section in this guide is Additional ResourcesIt offers more resources on this website that may be helpful to you. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Mesothelioma - Additional Resources

Approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 09/2020

ON THIS PAGE: You will find some helpful links to other areas of Cancer.Net that provide information about cancer care and treatment. This is the final page of Cancer.Net’s Guide to Mesothelioma. Use the menu to go back and see other pages.

Cancer.Net includes many other sections about the medical and emotional aspects of cancer for the person diagnosed and their family members and friends. This website is meant to be a resource for you and your loved ones from the time of diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond.

Here are a few links to help you explore other parts of Cancer.Net:

This is the end of the Cancer.Net’s Guide to Mesothelioma. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.