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Mesothelin

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

Mesothelin is a protein biomarker that is often elevated in cancers such as mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer. It aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of these malignancies.

Quick summary

Mesothelin is a protein biomarker used to diagnose and monitor cancers like mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
nmol/L
Clinical utility
diagnostic
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
Roche Mesothelin, R&D Systems Mesothelin ELISA
interpretation: {"text":"0–1 nmol/L: Mesothelin levels within this range are considered normal and are typically associated with a lower risk of mesothelioma and other related cancers.","label":"Normal"}; {"text":">1 nmol/L: Levels above 1 nmol/L may indicate the presence of mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, or other conditions that warrant further investigation.","label":"Elevated"}

Mesothelin is a cell surface glycoprotein that is normally present in low levels in healthy individuals. However, its expression is significantly increased in several types of cancers, particularly mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

The measurement of mesothelin levels in the blood can be used as a diagnostic tool to detect these cancers at an early stage. Elevated levels of mesothelin are often indicative of the presence of malignant tumors.

In addition to diagnosis, monitoring mesothelin levels can help in assessing the effectiveness of treatment and detecting disease recurrence. It is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests for a more comprehensive evaluation.

Frequently asked questions

What cancers are associated with elevated mesothelin levels?
Elevated mesothelin levels are most commonly associated with mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
How is the mesothelin test performed?
The mesothelin test is a blood test that measures the concentration of mesothelin in the bloodstream. It is a relatively simple and non-invasive procedure.
  1. 1
    Mesothelin: A New Target for ImmunotherapySource
  2. 2
    Role of Mesothelin as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Target in Human CancerSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy