Mesothelioma is a rare illness involving tumors that develop in the mesothelium, which is a thin layer of tissue covering the internal organs. There are different forms of mesothelioma. Understanding which form of mesothelioma a patient has is quite crucial. When a doctor understands which form of mesothelioma a patient has, they can decide which treatment is needed.
There are three main forms of mesothelioma. They are;
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Pericardial mesothelioma
The type of mesothelioma a patient has depends on where the disease is found in the body. Below is more on these three main forms of mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Out of all the three main forms, pleural mesothelioma is the one that occurs the most. It is estimated to account for approximately 75% of all diagnosed cases. According to research, there are about 2,500 to 3,000 cases of pleural mesothelioma in America every year.
Pleural mesothelioma develops within the pleura, which is the protective tissue that lines the lungs. This form of mesothelioma is likely the most common because most mesothelioma cases develop from inhaling asbestos fibers. Other cases develop as a result of ingestion.
Some of the people at a higher risk of developing this form of mesothelioma include those who live near asbestos mines and natural deposits, veterans, and those who work in asbestos processing facilities.
In regards to symptoms, the following are some of the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma;
- Chest pains
- Persistent cough
- Fever
- Breathing problems
- Weight loss
This type of cancer is often misdiagnosed as a form of lung cancer. Also, it can be misdiagnosed as, among other things, bronchitis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is estimated to account for 20% of all diagnosed cases. This form of cancer attacks the peritoneum, which is the protective lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when inhaled asbestos fibers travel to the abdomen. Also, ingesting asbestos fibers can lead to the development of this form of cancer.
The following are some of the symptoms of this form of mesothelioma;
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Intestinal obstruction
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Anemia
This form of mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed as a gastrointestinal illness.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
This is a rare form of mesothelioma. It is estimated to account for only 1% of all diagnosed cases. It is a cancer of the pericardium, which is the lining of the heart. Because this form of mesothelioma is rare, it can be quite hard to diagnose it. This form of cancer mostly develops in older people and males.
The following are some of the symptoms of this form of mesothelioma;
- Chest pain
- Chronic cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Fluid build-up within the chest cavity
This type of mesothelioma may be mistaken for a form of heart disease.
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If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help you and your family live a more comfortable life.
