Question 1

Get A Free Legal Consultation

Accepted Answer

Focus on your health and loved ones while we focus on your mesothelioma claim. We fight to maximize your results Many clients get results in as few as 90 days No out-of-pocket costs for you or your family

Question 2

Along with a mesothelioma diagnosis comes dozens of questions: What is mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Is there a cure for it? Where can I find a specialist? For over 25 years, Simmons Hanly Conroy has helped clients impacted by mesothelioma. We have a wealth of resources to assist you with navigating the complexities of this disease, including registered nurses on staff and detailed information on the use of asbestos throughout the country. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma, call (866) 921-5193 now for a free legal consultation. Simmons Hanly Conroy may be able to pursue justice and compensation from the asbestos companies that caused you harm. Contact Us Last updated: May 01, 2026 Mesothelioma Legal & Financial Resources General Mesothelioma Questions What is mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma most often affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen and heart. There are four types of mesothelioma, each named for the part of the body where the cancer is found. The types of mesothelioma include: Pleural mesothelioma: This is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for 80-85% of all cases. Pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining of the lungs (pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma: This type of mesothelioma accounts for 10-15% of all cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Pericardial mesothelioma: Less than 1% of mesothelioma cases form in the external lining of the heart (pericardium). Testicular mesothelioma: This is the rarest type of mesothelioma. It forms in the lining of the testes (tunica vaginalis). What causes mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Many asbestos companies knowingly exposed their employees and consumers to dangerous asbestos products. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they become trapped in the linings of organs. The body is unable to break these fibers down, and after years of irritation, the fibers can cause cancer cells to form. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, call (866) 921-5193 or fill out our contact form today for a free legal consultation. Is mesothelioma curable? Although there’s no cure for mesothelioma, surgeries and treatments may extend life expectancies and ease the symptoms of mesothelioma. Is mesothelioma lung cancer? No. While pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining surrounding the lungs, lung cancer forms directly inside the lungs. How common is mesothelioma? Mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer. Around 3,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma in the United States each year. This accounts for approximately 0.3% of annual cancer diagnoses in the U.S. How long does it take for mesothelioma to develop? Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases can take decades to develop. Typically, mesothelioma symptoms appear 10-50 years after exposure to asbestos has taken place. Medical Questions: Symptoms, Treatments and Prognosis What are common symptoms of mesothelioma? Symptoms of mesothelioma are often similar to those of other common illnesses. Unfortunately, they may not appear until the disease has reached an advanced stage, which can be 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Common mesothelioma symptoms may include: Abdominal pain and swelling Chest pain Coughing Hoarseness Shortness of breath Weight loss Wheezing If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your physician as soon as possible and inform them of your asbestos exposure history. How is mesothelioma diagnosed? Diagnosing mesothelioma is often quite difficult because mesothelioma symptoms are very similar to other less serious diseases. Your physician will most likely start the diagnostic process by asking you questions about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and exposure to asbestos. From there, you may undergo several diagnostic procedures: Imaging tests and/or blood tests to detect the presence of cancer cells Biopsies to confirm whether or not cells are cancerous Biopsies are the only way to officially confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. Biopsies take fluid or tissue samples from the patient to examine in the lab. What kind of treatment options are available for mesothelioma? The type of treatment you receive will depend on the stage and type of mesothelioma you have, as well as a few other factors like your medical history, age and overall health. The most common treatments for mesothelioma include: Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Radiation Surgery Doctors may combine some of these treatment options to maximize their effectiveness. Your mesothelioma specialist might also consider additional treatments, including alternative medicine or clinical trials. Is mesothelioma contagious? No. Mesothelioma is not contagious, meaning that it cannot be passed from person to person. However, it is possible that asbestos fibers can be transferred from one person to another. These microscopic fibers can stick to clothing and hair, and there have been cases where people have unknowingly brought asbestos fibers from their workplaces and into their homes. This is known as secondhand asbestos exposure. Does mesothelioma show up on a chest X-ray? Chest X-rays are often performed when there are any issues with the lungs. While an X-ray may show abnormalities in the lungs — such as tumors, excess fluid or thickening of the lining around the lungs — the only way to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is through a biopsy. Does mesothelioma metastasize? Yes. Doctors consider mesothelioma to be an aggressive form of cancer, as it can spread quickly throughout the body. How long can you live with mesothelioma? Unfortunately, mesothelioma symptoms often go unnoticed or undiagnosed until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. While the average life expectancy is 12-21 months, this number can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances. A patient’s life expectancy will depend on a number of factors, including their: Age Overall health Treatment options Type of mesothelioma It is important to seek medical care immediately if you suspect that you have mesothelioma, as medical intervention may help to ease uncomfortable symptoms and extend your life expectancy. Can mesothelioma go into remission? Yes. Although rare, it is possible for mesothelioma treatment to be effective enough that cancer cells are no longer growing. It is important to work with a mesothelioma specialist to get the best treatment plan for you. If you need help finding a specialist, contact us now for free. Our on-staff nurses can help connect you with a mesothelioma doctor and cancer center near you if you qualify. How do I find a doctor or hospital that can help with mesothelioma? Since mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, it is advisable that you see a mesothelioma specialist. Our mesothelioma lawyers work closely with mesothelioma specialists across the country, including the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. To learn more about different mesothelioma specialists and treatment options that may be available to you, fill out our contact form or call (866) 921-5193 to speak with a member of our team. Asbestos Questions What is asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally occurring group of minerals that contain fibers easily separated into thin, microscopic threads. These fibers are strong, flexible, heat-resistant and do not conduct electricity. As a result, asbestos was used in thousands of products throughout the 20th century in the United States. There are four types of asbestos that have been used commercially: Chrysotile (white) asbestos Crocidolite (blue) asbestos Amosite (brown) asbestos Anthophyllite (gray) asbestos How is asbestos used? Asbestos use became popular in the United States during the Industrial Revolution and continued throughout the 1970s. Known as the “miracle fiber” for its tensile strength, asbestos was primarily used for insulation, fireproofing and sound absorption. Over time, asbestos found its way into several industries an

Miles for Meso

Road runs in United States, Alton

Distances

About

Catering & aid stations

Pacers

Typical weather in Alton

What's included in entry

FAQ

Get A Free Legal Consultation

Along with a mesothelioma diagnosis comes dozens of questions: What is mesothelioma?

Get RaceAlerts

Miles for Meso