Mesothelioma
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma starts in mesothelial cells that line body organs. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks in our guide to mesothelioma.
Risk factors for mesothelioma
Risk factors for mesothelioma include asbestos, erionite and ionizing radiation. Learn about mesothelioma risk.
Symptoms of mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the location. Learn about the symptoms of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.
Diagnosis of mesothelioma
Tests to diagnose mesothelioma, such as x-ray and ultrasound, are done when symptoms suggest a problem. Learn about diagnosing mesothelioma.
Stages of pleural mesothelioma
Staging is a way of describing or classifying a cancer based on the extent of cancer in the body. The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM system. The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) uses the TNM system to describe the extent of many solid tumour cancers.
If mesothelioma spreads
Cancer cells have the potential to spread from the mesothelium to other parts of the body where they can grow into new tumours. This process is called metastasis. The tumours are also called metastasis (singular) or metastases (plural). Metastases are also called secondary tumours.
Prognosis and survival for mesothelioma
People with mesothelioma may have questions about their prognosis and survival. Prognosis and survival depend on many factors. Only a doctor familiar with a person’s medical history, type of cancer, stage, characteristics of the cancer, treatments chosen and response to treatment can put all of this information together with survival statistics to make a prognosis.
Treatments for mesothelioma
Treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Learn about treatment plans and options for mesothelioma.
Supportive care for mesothelioma
Supportive care helps people meet the physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges of mesothelioma. It is an important part of cancer care. There are many programs and services available to help meet the needs and improve the quality of life of people living with cancer and their loved ones, especially after treatment has ended.
Mesothelioma statistics
Cancer statistics tell us how many people in Canada are diagnosed with and die from mesothelioma in a certain time frame.