Mesothelioma Life Expectancy Hearing you have mesothelioma can be a life-changing experience. Patients are often told that they have only a few months left after diagnosis. Mesothelioma develops in the lung's lining (pleura) and, less frequently, in the the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). The most significant risk factor is asbestos exposure. https://vimeo.com/704879440