Understanding Mesothelioma
Clear, accurate information for patients, families, and caregivers navigating a mesothelioma diagnosis. We're here to help you understand your options.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers the lungs, abdomen, and heart. It is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was widely used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing throughout the 20th century.
Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos 20 to 50 years before their diagnosis, often through their occupation or through secondary exposure from a family member who worked with asbestos.
The Latency Period
Mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 50 years to develop after asbestos exposure. This long latency period means many patients are diagnosed decades after their exposure occurred, often in their 60s, 70s, or 80s.
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is classified by where in the body it develops. Each type has distinct symptoms and treatment approaches.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura). This is the most common form, accounting for approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases.
Learn more →Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Develops in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). This form accounts for about 20% of cases and has seen significant treatment advances.
Learn more →Pericardial Mesothelioma
Develops in the lining around the heart (pericardium). This is a rare form, representing less than 1% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Learn more →Where Did Asbestos Exposure Occur?
Asbestos was used extensively across many industries. Understanding where exposure happened is an important part of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Shipyards & Naval Bases
Navy veterans and shipyard workers face elevated mesothelioma risk due to extensive asbestos use in ship construction and repair.
Shipyard exposure →Refineries & Chemical Plants
Oil refineries and petrochemical facilities used asbestos insulation throughout their infrastructure for decades.
Refinery exposure →Steel Mills & Foundries
High-temperature industrial facilities relied heavily on asbestos for insulation and fire protection.
Steel mill exposure →Construction & Building Trades
Construction workers encountered asbestos in insulation, flooring, roofing, and numerous building materials.
Construction exposure →Power Plants
Electrical generating facilities used asbestos insulation extensively in boilers, turbines, and piping systems.
Power plant exposure →Auto & Manufacturing
Brake mechanics, factory workers, and those in automotive manufacturing were exposed through brake pads, gaskets, and insulation.
Manufacturing exposure →Mesothelioma & Veterans
Veterans represent a significant portion of mesothelioma patients. The U.S. military used asbestos extensively from the 1930s through the 1970s, particularly in Navy ships, shipyards, and military facilities.
Navy veterans face the highest risk among all military branches due to the widespread use of asbestos in ship construction. Every major component of naval vessels—from engine rooms to sleeping quarters—contained asbestos materials.
- VA healthcare benefits are available for veterans with mesothelioma
- Disability compensation may be available for service-connected illness
- Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) supports surviving family members
- Veterans do not need to prove where exposure occurred to qualify for benefits
Mesothelioma by Location
Mesothelioma cases cluster in cities with histories of shipbuilding, refining, steel production, and heavy manufacturing. Learn about asbestos exposure sources in your area.
Texas
Houston, Port Arthur, Beaumont, Galveston — home to major refineries and the Houston Ship Channel.
Texas locations →California
San Diego, Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco — naval bases, shipyards, and aerospace facilities.
California locations →Virginia
Norfolk — home to the world's largest naval base and Norfolk Naval Shipyard.
Virginia locations →Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh — Philadelphia Naval Shipyard and major steel production.
Pennsylvania locations →Washington
Bremerton, Seattle, Tacoma — Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Boeing facilities.
Washington locations →Louisiana
New Orleans, Baton Rouge — Avondale Shipyard and petrochemical corridor.
Louisiana locations →Questions About Your Diagnosis?
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may have questions about treatment options, VA benefits, or legal rights. We can help connect you with the right resources.
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