Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma. Many factors may be involved in determining the survival rate. New drugs, such as the combination of Alimta with Platinol, have been shown to improve survival in malignant mesothelioma patients whose only option is chemotherapy.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer (malignancy) that most frequently arises from the cells lining the sacs of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen. Most people with malignant mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they breathed asbestos. Usually, this involves men over 40 years of age. The incidence of malignant mesothelioma is increasing. There is the perception that survival is worse in the UK than in other countries.

Malignant mesothelioma affects men more often than women. The average age at diagnosis is 60. Cases of mesothelioma seem to be increasing worldwide. The average survival time varies from 4 - 18 months. For many asbestosis patients the mesothelioma prognosis is maybe hopeful.