If mesothelioma spreads

Cancer cells can spread from the mesothelium to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis.

Understanding how a type of cancer usually grows and spreads helps your healthcare team plan your treatment and future care.

Pleural mesothelioma

If pleural mesothelioma spreads, it can spread to the:

  • space in the chest between the lungs (mediastinum)
  • esophagus
  • thymus
  • windpipe (trachea)
  • muscles and ribs of the chest
  • opposite lung
  • thin muscle below the lungs and heart (diaphragm)
  • lymph nodes of the chest
  • liver
  • kidneys and adrenal glands
  • bones

Peritoneal mesothelioma

If peritoneal mesothelioma spreads, it can spread to:

  • the tissue covering the small intestine and colon
  • the space between the lungs and the walls of the chest
  • the liver
  • the spleen
  • other organs in the abdomen

Peritoneal mesothelioma rarely spreads outside of the abdomen.

Expert review and references

  • American Cancer Society. Malignant mesothelioma. 2016.
  • Deraco M, Elias DM, Glehen O, Helm CW, Sugarbaker PH, Verwaal VJ. Peritoneal metastases and peritoneal mesothelioma. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, & Rosenberg SA. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2015: 115: 1761-1769.
  • Giaccone G, Thomas A, Rajan A. Mesotheliomas. Raghavan D, Blanke CD, Honson DH, et al (eds.). Textbook of Uncommon Cancer. 4th ed. Wiley Blackwell; 2012: 22: 319-334.
  • Pass HI, Carbone M, King LM, Rosenzweig KE. Benign and malignant mesothelioma. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, & Rosenberg SA. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2015: 114: 1738-1760.
  • Stahel RA, Weder W, Lievens Y, Felip E. Malignant pleural mesothelioma: ESMO clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Annals of Oncology. 2010.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

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