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Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the tissue that lines the body's internal organs, known as the mesothelium. In about three-quarters of cases, mesothelioma begins in the lining surrounding the lungs, or pleura, and is called pleural mesothelioma. In about ten to 20 percent of cases, mesothelioma originates in the tissue surrounding the abdominal area, the peritoneum, and is called peritoneal mesothelioma.

At Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, we are committed to enhancing both the length and the quality of life of people who have mesothelioma.

In this section, you will find up-to-date information about our experience treating patients with mesothelioma, our services, and our research.

  • Our Approach & Expertise
    Having pioneered a number of new treatments for mesothelioma, Memorial Sloan-Kettering is one of the leading centers in the US for the treatment of the disease. We have also established the nation's largest database of mesothelioma patients whose treatment and progress we continuously track and analyze.
  • Our Team of Experts
    Our thoracic (chest) physicians take an interdisciplinary approach to treating mesothelioma. The team includes medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and basic scientists.
  • Overview
    Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. About 2,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the US. This type of cancer is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos, the major risk factor for the disease. More men than women are diagnosed with this disease, and most individuals with mesothelioma are 65 and older.
  • Risk Factors
    The major risk factor for mesothelioma is occupational exposure to asbestos. About 70 to 80 percent of patients with mesothelioma have a documented exposure to asbestos on the job.
  • Symptoms
    Most patients with pleural mesothelioma have shortness of breath caused by the buildup of fluid in the membrane around the lung. The second most common symptom is chest pain due to tumor invasion of the chest wall. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats. For patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which originates in the abdomen, the most common symptom is abdominal swelling due to fluid build-up.
  • Diagnosis & Staging
    Diagnosing mesothelioma may be difficult because fluid that is removed from the chest or abdomen of patients with the disease often does not contain cancer cells. A definitive diagnosis and staging of the cancer typically requires a tissue biopsy.
  • Treatment
    Current treatments for mesothelioma may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Memorial Sloan-Kettering has pioneered new surgical and radiation techniques to treat mesothelioma, with excellent results. While it is often difficult to cure, the disease and symptoms can be controlled and, often, life extended. Our pain experts work with patients to relieve pain and ease breathing in individuals with mesothelioma.
  • Our Clinical Trials
    A continually updated listing of Memorial Sloan-Kettering's current clinical trials for mesothelioma.
  • Follow-Up Care & Support
    We regularly and closely monitor current and former patients with mesothelioma for changes in the status of their disease.
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