Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects about 3,000 people in the United States every year. Specialized programs with the latest treatments and caring support provide the best outcomes for people with mesothelioma.

The Mesothelioma program at Penn Medicine brings together highly skilled and respected specialists in oncology and pleural disease, who conduct ongoing research alongside their leading-edge clinical care. We're able to provide more advanced treatment choices for mesothelioma than many other hospitals worldwide.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura), abdomen (peritoneum), or heart (pericardium). This lining is called the mesothelium. The mesothelium is made of mesothelial cells, a type of specialized cell that produces fluid that helps protect organs.

Mesothelial cells can turn into malignant (cancerous) tumors or benign (noncancerous) tumors. When the mesothelial cells are malignant, it's known as mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma. This cancer occurs in both men and women, but it's more common among men. This is because workers in occupations associated with asbestos exposure are often male.

There are four types of mesotheliomas. Doctors classify them based on where the cancer develops:

• Pleural mesothelioma: Starting in the chest and affecting the lungs, this is the most common type of mesothelioma.
• Peritoneal mesothelioma: This type forms in the abdomen. It's the second most common type of malignant mesothelioma.
• Pericardial mesothelioma: Growing in the lining of the heart, this type usually begins as pleural mesothelioma that invades the pericardium.
• Mesotheliomas of the tunica vaginalis: This is the rarest type of mesothelioma—it affects the lining of the testicles.

At Penn Medicine, our mesothelioma team of pulmonologists and other experts gathers each week to discuss every mesothelioma case and collaborate on care plans. During these meetings, our specialists discuss your specific treatment goals and options, including clinical trials. Then we work with you to create a treatment plan focused on your priorities.

Mesothelioma care at Penn Medicine is provided by a team of specialists:

• Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat problems of the digestive system.
• Geneticists study genes and heredity to understand how traits and diseases are passed down through generations./li>
• Hematologists diagnose and treat disorders of the blood and blood-forming tissues.
• Interventional radiologists use image-guided techniques to perform minimally invasive procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases.
• Medical oncologists diagnose, treat, and manage cancer with therapies like chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
• Pathologists examine and analyze tissue samples, blood, and other bodily fluids to diagnose diseases and determine their causes.
• Pulmonologists diagnose and treat conditions and diseases affecting the lungs.
• Radiation oncologists use high-energy radiation to treat cancer and some benign conditions.
• Radiologists use imaging technologies to see the inside of the body and diagnose diseases.
• Surgeons (endocrine, oncologic, and thoracic specialists) perform surgical operations to treat diseases, injuries, and other conditions.

Our world-renowned mesothelioma team cares for more patients with mesothelioma than most academic health centers in the nation. Many people travel to us from out of state or across the country for specialized treatment, clinical trials, and support for all types of malignant mesothelioma.

Combined with our access to groundbreaking clinical trials and research, this high volume of patients gives us unparalleled expertise in mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment.

People who come to us for mesothelioma care find:

• Advanced treatments and technologies: We provide a wide range of mesothelioma treatments, including the latest options that aren't widely available. As research leaders, we run national studies that advance treatment. Our team developed TumorGlow® technology, which makes mesothelioma surgeries more precise by making cancerous tumors glow for better visibility.
• Expert team collaboration: It's not common for academic medical centers to have large teams dedicated to mesothelioma, but we do. At Penn Medicine, your multidisciplinary team includes mesothelioma-dedicated experts in pulmonology, pathology, radiology, and social services. They collaborate with medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists to provide you with the best possible treatment and promote better outcomes.
• Whole-person support: Health is more than just physical—we care for your mind and spirit too. Your quality of life is our top priority. Our dedicated social workers, mesothelioma advanced practice provider, and program coordinator work with you one-on-one to make your daily life easier. They can help manage symptoms, handle tasks like scheduling appointments and transportation, and find support services. Other cancer support services such as palliative care, counseling for mental and emotional support, and nutrition services are also available.
• Flexibility: Depending on where you live, you can choose to get all your care with us, or only travel for major appointments. Our team works with community doctors to ensure you get day-to-day care closer to your home if you prefer. We also offer second opinions to help ensure you're on the right treatment path.