- An estimated 2,000-3,000 new cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the US.
- Malignant mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in people over 50; more often in men than women; and, the risk increases with age.
- There are 3 types of malignant mesothelioma.
- Pleural Mesothelioma, which accounts for 75% of cases and starts in the chest cavity
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which accounts for about 10-20% of cases and starts in the abdomen
- Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is rare and starts in the heart
- Workers exposed to asbestos in the past are at risk for developing mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, and asbestosis.
- Asbestos-related lung cancer occurs inside the lungs.
- Asbestosis is not a cancer; rather it is pulmonary fibrosis, or scarring of the lungs, that was caused by years of breathing in asbestos dust and asbestos fibers.