Mesothelioma Facts: Insights and Stats

Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer. Much misinformation about mesothelioma has been circulating on the internet and in casual conversation, making it hard to know what is true.

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, you need to be considering your next steps. Knowing the mesothelioma facts actually supported by science can improve your understanding of your health and legal options.

Mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure. It remains a deadly and incurable disease, although treatments are improving. ⁽¹⁾

Facts and Myths About Mesothelioma

Let’s examine some key facts in order to dispel the myths about mesothelioma:

• Myth: Mesothelioma is a death sentence.
  Fact: While the prognosis for mesothelioma is poor, long-term survivors do exist. As with any form of cancer, the projections for this disease depends upon early diagnosis and aggressive treatment. ⁽²⁾
• Myth: Mesothelioma only affects the lungs.
  Fact: Tumors can develop in any area of the body with mesothelial cell linings. Mesothelial cells line the chest and abdomen. They also line the surface of organs like the lungs, heart, and even the testicles. ⁽³⁾
• Myth: Only prolonged exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma.
  Fact: Prolonged exposure to asbestos puts you at higher risk for developing the disease. ⁽⁴⁾ However, high levels of exposure for short periods of time also can increase your risk. ⁽⁵⁾
• Myth: Mesothelioma is the same as lung cancer.
  Fact: Mesothelioma is a cancer that can develop in the outside lining around the lungs (pleura), chest wall, abdomen, or the tissue around the testicles. ⁽⁶⁾ Lung cancer begins inside the lungs. ⁽⁷⁾
• Myth: Only older people develop mesothelioma.
  Fact: “Mesotheliomas are much more common in older people than younger people,” according to the American Cancer Society. ⁽⁸⁾ However, mesothelioma cases also are reported in younger people. Examples of the age range of patients include cases involving a 17-year-old boy and a 63-year-old man. ^{(9) (10)}
• Myth: Mesothelioma is contagious.
  Fact: Mesothelioma is not a germ and is not contagious. You can, however, get mesothelioma through secondhand exposure. If someone you live with is exposed to asbestos, and they get fibers on their skin or clothing, those fibers can be transferred to you if they become airborne and you breathe them in. This exposes you to asbestos. ⁽¹¹⁾
• Myth: There is no more risk of asbestos exposure in the U.S.
  Fact: “There are approximately 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma every year in the United States,” according to the American Lung Association. ⁽¹²⁾
• Myth: There are no treatment options for mesothelioma.
  Fact: Treatment options include: surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. New treatments are being developed and some are already in clinical trials. ⁽¹³⁾
• Myth: Smoking causes mesothelioma.
  Fact: Smoking has nothing to do with mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos remains the primary factor in the development of mesothelioma.
• Myth: Mesothelioma is only caused by occupational exposure to asbestos.
  Fact: Asbestos continues to be present in some products, including talcum powders. You can get mesothelioma from exposure to these cosmetic products. Women who used asbestos-contaminated talcum powder may develop ovarian cancer.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding mesothelioma facts.

What Is the Chance of Surviving Mesothelioma?

Although every case is different, an average survival rate is approximately 4 to 18 months after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Roughly 10% of people diagnosed have a 5-year survival rate. There are people with mesothelioma who survived for more than 10 years after receiving the diagnosis. ⁽¹⁴⁾

Is Mesothelioma 100% Fatal?

Mesothelioma is a fatal disease and there is no cure. Is mesothelioma always fatal? Many factors play a role in the progression of the disease. 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%. ⁽¹⁵⁾

How Rare Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is rare. In the U.S., with a total population of nearly 336 million people, ⁽¹⁶⁾ only approximately 3,000 people per year are diagnosed with mesothelioma. ⁽¹⁷⁾

How Old Are People with Mesothelioma?

The average age at the time of diagnosis is 72 years. ⁽¹⁸⁾

Can Mesothelioma Lie Dormant?

Mesothelioma has a latency period of 20 to 60 years. This is the time between exposure and the appearance of symptoms. ⁽¹⁹⁾

Is Mesothelioma Curable If Caught Early?

Mesothelioma is an incurable disease. ⁽²⁰⁾ However, early detection and treatment can help extend survival rates beyond expectations. ⁽²¹⁾

Is Mesothelioma Always Terminal?

Mesothelioma is a deadly (terminal) disease and there is no cure. Treatments have been able to help some people with mesothelioma extend their lives. ^{(22) (23)}

The Importance of Legal Assistance

Mesothelioma treatments are expensive and can take years to undergo. While battling the disease, you may not be able to work at all or may have to miss time from work. You could even lose your job, putting your family’s financial security at risk.

Having the assistance of the experienced legal team at Weitz & Luxenberg can make all the difference. You can focus on healing, while our team fights your complex legal battle for you.

W&L Has Experience in Getting Results for Asbestos Clients

W&L has been serving mesothelioma clients for almost 40 years. Our attorneys listen to your story, investigate your claims, file your lawsuit, gather evidence, negotiate a settlement, and will represent you in court. We are there even if your case goes to appeal.

You can help support your legal claims by providing us with information. This includes medical and insurance records, medical receipts, and employment records. You might also provide information regarding witnesses who can confirm your story.

W&L has been successfully holding responsible parties accountable for the harm asbestos does since we began practicing law. Billions of dollars have been secured for clients suffering due to asbestos contaminated products, including talcum powder.

W&L is ready to fight for you, too. If you want justice for asbestos harm done to you and your family, reach out to us today. Call us at (833) 977-3437 or fill out our online form.