Mesothelioma

Overview

Mesothelioma (me-zoe-thee-lee-O-muh) is a rare and aggressive cancer that begins in the thin layer of tissue lining the chest, abdominal cavities, heart or testicles. The most common form of mesothelioma occurs in the tissue around the lungs (pleural mesothelioma).

Mesothelioma is associated with exposure to asbestos, which is a strong fiber used in a variety of products. Breathing or swallowing asbestos fibers in the air can lead to mesothelioma, which can take 30 to 40 years to develop.

Read more about mesothelioma.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for mesothelioma

• Teamwork. At Mayo Clinic, experts in pulmonary medicine, surgery, oncology, radiation oncology and pathology work as a team to treat mesothelioma. Other professionals are included as needed.
• Experience. Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer. Mayo Clinic doctors have extensive experience treating many cases of mesothelioma.
• A full range of treatment options to consider. Mayo Clinic doctors will work with you to review all of your options and choose the treatment that best suits your needs and goals. The range of treatments offered to people with mesothelioma includes chemotherapy, radiation and many types of surgical procedures.
• The latest technology. Mayo Clinic doctors have the latest in medical technology to help them diagnose and treat mesothelioma. Advanced diagnostic tests help doctors diagnose and monitor mesothelioma. Advances in surgical techniques help surgeons remove as much cancer as possible to relieve the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma.
• Access to clinical trials. Mayo Clinic conducts mesothelioma research and participates in national research alliances. This gives people with mesothelioma who seek care at Mayo Clinic access to clinical trials and the latest treatments.
• Comprehensive cancer center. Mayo Clinic Cancer Center meets strict standards for a National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center, which recognizes scientific excellence and a multidisciplinary approach to cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked high performing for cancer by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
What Sets Mayo Clinic Apart