Common Mesothelioma Questions

Along with a mesothelioma diagnosis comes dozens of questions. What is mesothelioma? Is there a cure for it? Where can I find a specialist? Mary Hesdorffer, a nurse practitioner for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, answers many common questions that mesothelioma patients and their families have in the videos below. Mary is the medical liaison for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation and has been treating patients with mesothelioma for the past 11 years.

For answers to your medical questions, please visit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation website. You can also learn more by browsing the rest of the videos in our mesothelioma video library.

Is There More Than One Kind of Mesothelioma?

There are three types of mesothelioma: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. Mary Hesdorffer gives an overview of how the different types can affect the lungs and abdomen.

Mesothelioma Cancer Information

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure that most commonly affects the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (abdominal mesothelioma). Mary Hesdorffer gives an quick, clear overview of this disease. 

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mary Hesdorffer describes pleural mesothelioma symptoms in detail, which can include coughing, pneumonia and night sweats.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma General Information

Mary Hesdorffer gives an overview of peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal mesothelioma), a rare cancer that attacks the lining of the abdomen and is caused by asbestos exposure.

What Does a Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis Mean?

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer caused by exposure to asbestos that attacks the lining of the lungs. Mary Hesdorffer gives an overview of pleural mesothelioma.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Mary Hesdorffer explains the link between asbestos and mesothelioma.

Is There a Cure For Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is an extremely difficult cancer to diagnose and treat. In this video Mary Hesdorffer talks about the effort to find a cure for mesothelioma.

Can A Young Person Develop Mesothelioma?

It is possible to develop mesothelioma at any age. Mary Hesdorffer explains that even though mesothelioma typically affects individuals over 50, it can also affect younger people.

The Importance of Seeing a Mesothelioma Specialist

Mesothelioma requires specialized care from a physician with experience treating mesothelioma patients. A mesothelioma specialist can provide a more accurate diagnosis and specialized treatment options. In this video, Mary Hesdorffer stresses the importance and urgency of finding a mesothelioma specialist.

How Do I Find a Mesothelioma Specialist?

Because mesothelioma is such a rare cancer, it can be difficult to find an experienced mesothelioma specialist. Mary Hesdorffer explains the steps to finding a qualified mesothelioma specialist.

Is There More Than One Kind of Mesothelioma?

There are three types of mesothelioma: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. Mary Hesdorffer gives an overview of how the different types can affect the lungs and abdomen.

Informational Asbestos Video

In this video, Mary Hesdorffer describes the dangers of asbestos exposure. Learn more about where asbestos can be found and how it causes diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

How Do I Know if I've Been Exposed to Asbestos?

Asbestos has been used in products and buildings throughout the world for many generations, exposing thousands of people to its dangers. Mary Hesdorffer talks about the most common jobs where asbestos and asbestos exposure risk can be found.

How Long is the Mesothelioma Latency Period?

It can take up to 60 years for mesothelioma to develop after an individual has been exposed to asbestos. This period of time is called mesothelioma’s “latency period.”  Mary Hesdorffer explains the difficulties this mesothelioma latency period can cause.

Why Should I Get a Mesothelioma Lawyer?

Deciding to work with a mesothelioma lawyer is a very personal decision. Mary Hesdorffer explains the benefits of working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer.

Where Can I Find More Information About Mesothelioma?

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is a leading resource for victims and family members seeking more information about mesothelioma. If you're looking for answers to your asbestos questions, contact us today.