Navigating life after a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming. Many patients struggle to wrap their heads around what mesothelioma is, what treatments are available, and how to afford the specialized medical care needed to manage their cancer.
We’ve created a mesothelioma glossary of the top 15 medical and legal terms patients and their loved ones need to know.
1. Pleural vs. Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure.
There are two main types based on where the cancer develops:
- Pleural mesothelioma – Forms in the lung lining, causes breathing issues, and accounts for 80-85% of cases.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma – Forms in the abdomen, causes stomach pain, and makes up 15-20% of cases.
Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide shipped to your home overnight to learn more about this cancer, top doctors, and the best treatment methods.
2. Biopsy
A mesothelioma biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose this cancer. It involves removing a small sample of tissue for testing.
Types of biopsies include:
- Needle biopsy – Less invasive, uses a needle to extract cells.
- Surgical biopsy – More precise, requires a minor surgery to remove tissue.
The sample is then examined under a microscope to confirm whether mesothelioma cancer is present. It also shows which cell type a patient has. This information helps mesothelioma doctors develop personalized treatment plans for each patient.
3. Mesothelioma Cell Type
Your mesothelioma cell type affects both your prognosis and treatment options.
There are three mesothelioma cell types:
- Epithelioid – Most common (70% of cases), responds best to treatment.
- Sarcomatoid – Rarest and most aggressive (10-20% of cases), hardest cell type to treat.
- Biphasic – A mix of both other types (20-30% of cases), treatment success depends on the ratio of epitheloid to sarcomatoid cells.
Make sure to ask your doctor about your cell type when confirming your diagnosis.
4. Mesothelioma Stage
Mesothelioma is staged from 1 to 4 based on how far the cancer has spread. Treatment options become more limited as you get into the later stages.
- Stage 1: Cancer is small, localized, and easiest to treat.
- Stage 2: Cancer has started to spread but is still somewhat contained.
- Stage 3: Cancer has spread more, often to lymph nodes or nearby organs.
- Stage 4: Cancer has spread to distant areas; treatment is focused on symptom relief.
Doctors use imaging scans to determine a patient’s mesothelioma stage and track the cancer’s progression after treatment.
5. Life Expectancy
Mesothelioma life expectancy refers to how long a patient is expected to live after diagnosis. It varies based on factors like cancer stage, cell type, and overall health. On average, patients live 12 to 21 months, but those diagnosed at an earlier stage or with the epithelioid cell type may live longer.
While mesothelioma is aggressive, treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy can potentially help extend life expectancy and improve quality of life. Many patients have lived decades after their diagnosis.
“You might not win the war, but you must fight like you can. You might even surprise yourself with how strong you are. I’ve been fighting nonstop for more than a decade.”
6. P/D vs. EPP Surgery
Surgery is one of the most effective treatments for pleural mesothelioma.
There are two main surgeries available:
- Pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) removes the lung lining (pleura) and all visible tumors while keeping both lungs intact. It’s less invasive than an EPP and has a shorter recovery time.
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) removes the affected lung along with the pleura, diaphragm, and part of the pericardium (heart lining). It’s a more radical surgery but may be necessary for certain patients.
Wondering if you or a loved one qualifies for surgery? Use our Free Doctor Match service to connect with a mesothelioma specialist who can help.
7. Immunotherapy
Mesothelioma immunotherapy boosts the immune response to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively. It’s most often used when other treatments have failed or if the cancer is too far advanced to be removed with surgery.
Approved drugs for mesothelioma include:
- Opdivo® (nivolumab)
- Yervoy® (ipilimumab)
- Keytruda® (pembrolizumab)
“We’ve seen a lot of really great responses with immunotherapy and being able to harness your immune system to attack tumors. And if you can add a medication to make your body’s immune system fight more effectively, I think it’s great.”
8. Palliative Care
Mesothelioma palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life rather than curing the disease. It helps manage pain, fatigue, and other challenges caused by mesothelioma.
Palliative treatments can include:
- Minor surgeries to drain fluid buildup
- Oxygen therapy
- Pain management
- Chemotherapy or radiation to shrink tumors
Patients can get palliative care at any stage of mesothelioma, not just end-stage cancer.
9. Remission & Recurrence
Understanding remission and recurrence can help mesothelioma patients prepare for the next steps in their care.
- Remission: The cancer shrinks by at least half or becomes undetectable but may still be present at a microscopic level.
- Recurrence: The cancer comes back after a period of remission, either in the same area (local recurrence) or in a new area (distant recurrence).
Treatments for mesothelioma recurrence may include different combinations of chemotherapy drugs, immunotherapy, or participation in clinical trials.
10. No Evidence of Disease (NED)
No Evidence of Disease (NED) means that imaging scans show no visible signs of mesothelioma. This is the best possible outcome for patients after treatment.
- NED doesn’t mean the cancer is cured — mesothelioma can return.
- Regular follow-ups are essential to detect any cancer recurrence early.
- Some mesothelioma survivors remain in NED for months or even years.
“A lot of mesothelioma patients get to that blessed point of NED, which is no evidence of disease.”
11. Asbestos Trust Funds
Asbestos trust funds were created by bankrupt asbestos companies to compensate people diagnosed with mesothelioma.
- Over $30 billion is available in asbestos trusts to help patients and families.
- Victims may qualify to file multiple claims based on which products they were exposed to.
- Most families start to receive trust fund payouts in 90 days or less.
12. Personal Injury & Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Mesothelioma lawsuits help patients and families seek financial compensation from asbestos companies that exposed them to this toxic mineral.
Types of lawsuits include:
- Personal injury lawsuits: Filed by mesothelioma patients for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death lawsuits: Filed by surviving family members after a loved one dies from mesothelioma. These claims cover funeral costs, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
Most mesothelioma lawsuits end in a settlement, allowing families to receive compensation without the lengthy process of a trial.
13. Mesothelioma Settlements vs. Verdicts
Patients and families can receive mesothelioma compensation through settlements and verdicts, but the processes differ.
- Settlements: A financial agreement reached before or during a lawsuit. Settlements are typically faster and more predictable than trials.
- Verdicts: A judge or jury decides the outcome if the case goes to trial. Verdicts may result in higher payouts, but there’s no guarantee of winning.
Our partner law firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy, secured the largest asbestos verdict on record — $250 million for a steelworker in Indiana.
Get a Free Case Review to see if your family can access compensation for treatment, travel, and daily living expenses.
Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
14. Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a mesothelioma lawsuit.
- It varies by state
- Starts on the day of the diagnosis or death of a loved one
- Typically ranges from 1 to 3 years
15. Payout Timeline
The mesothelioma payout timeline is how long it takes for a patient or their family to receive compensation from a settlement, verdict, or asbestos trust fund claim,
Many families who work with our legal partners at Simmons Hanly Conroy start to receive their first payouts in 90 days or less.
Your Mesothelioma Lifeline: Available 24/7
Mesothelioma Hope has been a trusted resource for patients and families for over 20 years. Our team can help you understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and the complex terminology you may encounter along the way.
You can rely on us to:
- Clearly explain your symptoms, diagnosis, and medical options
- Connect you with top doctors and cancer centers
- Listen to your story and provide compassionate support
- Help you find travel assistance and lodging during treatment
- Share free resources to help you pursue financial compensation
As your mesothelioma lifeline, we’re always here to help — call (866) 608-8933 or request our Free Mesothelioma Guide to get started.
