Page last updated: February 2025
The information on this webpage was adapted from Understanding Mesothelioma - A guide for people with cancer, their families and friends (2025 edition). This webpage was last updated in February 2025.
Expert content reviewers:
This information was developed based on Australian and international clinical practice guidelines, and with the help of a range of health professionals and people affected by mesothelioma:
All updated content has been clinically reviewed by:
- A/Prof Anthony Linton, Medical Oncologist, Concord Cancer Centre and Concord Repatriation General Hospital, NSW
- Dr Naveed Alam, Thoracic Surgeon, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Melbourne and Monash Medical Centre, VIC
- Prof David Morris, Peritonectomy Surgeon, St George Hospital and UNSW, NSW.
This edition is based on the previous edition, which was reviewed by the following panel:
- A/Prof Anthony Linton (see above)
- Dr Naveed Alam, (see above)
- Donatella Arnoldo, Consumer
- Polly Baldwin, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA
- Dr Melvin (Wee Loong) Chin, Medical Oncologist, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, WA
- Prof Kwun Fong, Thoracic and Sleep Physician and Director, UQ Thoracic Research Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Professor of Medicine, The University of Queensland, QLD
- Vicki Hamilton OAM, Consumer and CEO, Asbestos Council of Victoria/ GARDS Inc., VIC
- Dr Susan Harden, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC
- Penny Jacomos, Social Worker, Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia, SA
- Prof Brian Le, Director, Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC;
- Lung Cancer Support Nurses, Lung Foundation Australia; Jocelyn McLean, Mesothelioma Support Coordinator, Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, NSW
- Prof David Morris (see above)
- Joanne Oates, Registered Occupational Therapist, Expert Witness in Dust Diseases, and Director, Evaluate, NSW
- Chris Sheppard and Adam Barlow, RMB Lawyers.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts from mesothelial cells. These cells line the surface of most of the internal organs and body cavities, creating a protective membrane called the mesothelium.
Some mesotheliomas form a mass (tumour), while others grow along the mesothelium and form a thick covering. In later stages, mesothelioma may spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body.
Your guide to best cancer care
A lot can happen in a hurry when you’re diagnosed with cancer. The guide to best cancer care for mesothelioma can help you make sense of what should happen.
It will help you with what questions to ask your health professionals to make sure you receive the best care at every step.
Read the pleural mesothelioma guide
Read the peritoneal mesothelioma guide
Pleural mesothelioma
The mesothelium (protective membrane) that covers each lung is called the pleura. Mesothelioma that develops in the pleura is called pleural mesothelioma, and accounts for about 92% of mesothelioma cases.
Pleural mesothelioma is not the same as lung cancer – it is diagnosed and treated differently.
The pleura
There are two layers of tissue in the pleura. The inner layer (the visceral pleura) covers the lung surface, and the outer layer (the parietal pleura) lines the chest wall and diaphragm.
Mesothelioma causes these two layers of the pleura to thicken. They can then press on the lung, stopping it expanding when you breathe in (inhale).
Between the two layers of the pleura is the pleural cavity (also called the pleural space), which normally contains a thin film of fluid.
This fluid allows the two layers of pleura to slide over each other – so the lungs move smoothly against the chest wall when you breathe. When too much fluid collects in the pleural cavity, it is called pleural effusion.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
The mesothelium (protective membrane) that covers the organs and lines the walls of the abdomen and pelvis is called the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma that develops in the peritoneum is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. It is far less common than pleural mesothelioma (which is found around the lungs), and accounts for less than 5% of all mesotheliomas.
The peritoneum
There are two layers of thin tissue in the peritoneum. The inner layer (the visceral peritoneum) lines the surface of organs such as the bowel, liver and ovaries. The outer layer (the parietal peritoneum) lines the walls of the abdomen and pelvis.
Between the two layers of the peritoneum is the peritoneal cavity, which normally contains a very thin film of fluid. This fluid allows the two layers to slide over each other.
In people with peritoneal mesothelioma, too much fluid often collects between the two layers in this cavity. This is called ascites or peritoneal effusion.
Rare types of mesothelioma
In rare cases, mesothelioma can develop in the pericardium, which is a thin, double-layered sac that surrounds the heart. This is called pericardial mesothelioma.
Even more rarely, mesothelioma can occur in the membrane that surrounds the testicles, known as the tunica vaginalis. This is called testicular mesothelioma.
Learn more
Causes
Exposure to asbestos fibres or asbestos dust is the cause of almost all (9 out of 10) cases of mesothelioma. Asbestos is the name for a group of naturally occurring minerals that are resistant to high temperatures and humidity.
Asbestos was used in many building products in Australia from the 1940s until 1987. Since 2003, Australia has banned asbestos being sold, reused and/or imported, but it is still found in older buildings, so special care needs to be taken when renovating.
It has also been found in some products from overseas. People who may have been exposed to asbestos at work include:
- builders, plumbers, gasfitters and electricians
- metal-fitters, turners and toolmakers
- boilermakers and welders
- steelworkers
- asbestos miners
- asbestos cement manufacturing workers
- insulators
- automotive industry workers
- mechanics
- transport workers (especially waterside workers)
- telecommunications technicians
- marine engineers, shipwrights/boatbuilders; and
- textile workers.
People cleaning work clothes with asbestos fibres on them, some people who lived in houses containing asbestos, or people spending time in areas where asbestos has been disturbed during renovations or maintenance, can also develop mesothelioma.
It can take many years for mesothelioma to develop after a person is exposed to asbestos. It is often about 50 years after exposure, but may be 10–60 years. This is called the latency period or interval.
How common is it?
Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world, with about 800 Australians diagnosed each year.
Men make up the majority of cases, with less than a quarter of people diagnosed with mesothelioma being women.
This is possibly because asbestos exposure is more common in jobs that were traditionally done by men, such as mining and construction.
Pleural mesothelioma makes up about 92% of cases; peritoneal mesothelioma makes up less than 5% of cases; and other types are even more rare.
Mesothelioma is more commonly diagnosed in people aged over 65, but can occur in younger people.
Mesothelioma statistics and trends
Australian Mesothelioma Registry
Symptoms
The first signs of mesothelioma are often vague and similar to other conditions. If you are concerned, see your general practitioner (GP).
It can take time to be diagnosed, as the symptoms may come and go, and more common conditions are often investigated first. Let your GP know if you think you have been exposed to asbestos in the past.
Finding mesothelioma early may mean more treatment options are available to you. Pleural mesothelioma may cause:
- shortness of breath (breathlessness), which usually feels worse with activity or when you are lying down
- pain in the chest around the ribs or in the shoulder, which may be sharp and stabbing, worse with deep breaths, or dull and persistent
- extra-sensitive skin or change in skin sensation (less common)
- general symptoms such as loss of appetite with weight loss; loss of muscle bulk; fatigue or loss of energy; a persistent cough or a change in coughing pattern; and night sweats.
Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause:
- abdominal pain
- a swollen abdomen
- poor appetite, nausea and vomiting
- unexplained increase in fatigue and low energy
- night sweats or fever
- bowel or urinary problems.
The Australian Mesothelioma Registry collects information about new cases of mesothelioma. Doctors may inform the registry about new cases, or you can record your diagnosis by calling 1800 378 861.
Can I seek compensation?
People who develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure may be able to make a claim for compensation. It’s helpful to make notes and talk to family and friends about when and where you may have been exposed.
It is important to get advice from an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after diagnosis, because a case for compensation must be started within your lifetime.
Mesothelioma or asbestos support groups may be able to help you with more information about seeking compensation.
Find a support group
Health professionals
Your GP will arrange the first tests to assess your symptoms. If these tests do not rule out mesothelioma, you will usually be referred to a specialist, such as a respiratory physician or gastroenterologist. The specialist will arrange further tests.
If mesothelioma is diagnosed, the specialist will consider the treatment options. Often these will be discussed with other health professionals at what is known as a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting.
During and after treatment, you will see a range of health professionals who specialise in different aspects of your care. This may include a respiratory (thoracic) physician, a gastroenterologist and a surgical oncologist.
