Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that forms in the mesothelium, the thin lining that covers the lungs, abdomen, heart, and other organs. It's caused almost entirely by asbestos exposure and usually appears 20 to 60 years afterward. The most common form is pleural, in the lining of the lungs; the next most common is peritoneal, in the lining of the abdomen.
Origin
The name comes from the mesothelium, the tissue where the cancer begins. Its firm connection to asbestos was established in the mid-20th century, especially after the Wagner 1960 study, though the tumor had been described earlier.
Significance in Asbestos Context
Mesothelioma is the disease most closely tied to asbestos, because asbestos is essentially its only known cause. That near-exclusive link makes it central to asbestos claims: a confirmed diagnosis, combined with an exposure history, is powerful evidence of causation. Diagnosis usually relies on a tissue biopsy and specialized staining, and the subtype, epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic, affects prognosis and treatment. Patients should make sure their asbestos exposure history is documented in their medical record, since it matters for both care and any legal claim.
Example Sentence
After months of shortness of breath, a biopsy confirmed malignant pleural mesothelioma, and his doctor asked in detail about his years working around insulation.
Related Terms
Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Epithelioid, Asbestos, Wagner 1960 Study, Latency Period
Notes
- Ask whether your diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy with immunohistochemistry, and what the subtype is, since it guides treatment and prognosis.
- Make sure your full asbestos exposure history is recorded in your medical chart; it matters clinically and legally.
- Seek out a mesothelioma specialty center; because the disease is rare, experienced teams can offer more treatment options.
- Note that strict time limits (statutes of limitation) often start at diagnosis, so ask about your legal options promptly.
In the research library
3,057 studies in our medical research library mention Malignant Mesothelioma in the title or abstract. Among the most cited:
- Advances in malignant mesotheliomaB.W. Robinson, R.A. Lake, 2005 · The New England Journal of Medicine · cited 849 times
- Germline BAP1 mutations predispose to malignant mesotheliomaJ.R. Testa, M. Cheung, J. Pei, et al, 2011 · Nature Genetics · cited 817 times
- Malignant mesotheliomaB.W. Robinson, A.W. Musk, R.A. Lake, 2005 · Lancet · cited 606 times
- Guidelines for Pathologic Diagnosis of Malignant Mesothelioma 2017 Update of the Consensus Statement From the International Mesothelioma Interest GroupA.N. Husain, T.V. Colby, N.G. Ordóñez, et al, 2018 · Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine · cited 445 times
- Pleuropneumonectomy in the management of diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura. Experience with 29 patientsE.G. Butchart, T. Ashcroft, W.C. Barnsley, et al, 1976 · Thorax · cited 405 times
The journals that publish most on it: Lung Cancer (71), American Journal of Industrial Medicine (68), Human Pathology (51).
Category: Diseases & Conditions · All Lexicon terms A–Z
This page is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every asbestos case turns on its own facts, exposure history, diagnosis, deadlines, available evidence, and applicable law. Reviewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, call 833-4-ASBESTOS for a free case review.