Mesothelioma Information, Mesothelioma Diagnosed

Mesothelioma Information

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that attacks cells in the tissue that lines the body cavity called the mesothelium. The only known cause of this disease is exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma doctorsIncidence of Diagnosis

Between 2,500 and 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in America.

This indicates that it is still a fairly rare disease, but incidence will rise in the next several decades, according to projections.
Age at Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is typically first diagnosed in patients between the ages of 50 and 70 years. Though some diagnoses occur earlier or later, these cases are considered statistical outliers.
Mesothelioma in Particular Sexes or Races

Men are more commonly diagnosed with mesothelioma than women, mostly due to higher risk of occupational exposure to asbestos. However, there is no evidence to suggest that men are more prone to the disease than women. African Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma much less frequently than Caucasian Americans. Researchers are still investigating the cause of this disparity.
Typical Patient Survival Rates

Mesothelioma is often diagnosed in its late stages, in which case the prognosis is typically very poor. Many patients are given little more than a year to live after diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis may improve prognoses dramatically. As alternative mesothelioma treatments are developed, it is likely that survival rates will increase.