Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is the general term referring to cancer of the mesothelium. As the mesothelium extends into several parts of the body, the disease itself can take several forms. The mesothelium is the tissue surrounding the vital organs found within one’s torso including the heart, lungs, stomach, etc. It protects and cushions these organs. If mesothelioma develops, it can be focused in a specific area, which is why there are several types of mesothelioma.

These types include:

Pleural Mesothelioma

The most common form of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is estimated to account for up to 75% of the total cases of the disease. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs, the lung cavity, and the protective lining of the lungs. The symptoms that pleural mesothelioma patients notice are those that occur from a buildup of fluid between the chest cavity wall and the lining of the lungs themselves. Those symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pains, and coughing or hacking.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

This type of mesothelioma affects the abdomen region of the body. Like pleural mesothelioma, the disease affects the tissues surrounding the organs. However, in this case the organs affected are the stomach and other abdominal organs. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for between ten and twenty percent of total mesothelioma cases; this type may start in the abdomen and then spread into other parts of the body. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include nausea, abdomen pain and/or swelling, vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea, bowel constriction, anemia, breathing problems, chest pain, fever, and blood clotting.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

One of the more rare types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma affects the cavity surrounding the heart. The symptoms can be very similar to that of pleural mesothelioma: heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Testicular Mesothelioma

The most rare type of mesothelioma, testicular mesothelioma, affects the tissue surrounding the testicles. There is very little information available about this type of mesothelioma, and the prevalence and treatment are still pending further investigation.

Louisiana Attorneys Landry & Swarr Can Help

If you or someone you love has or may have any of these types of mesothelioma, it is a good idea to seek legal counsel with experience in this area of law such as the Louisiana mesothelioma attorneys Landry & Swarr in addition to medical treatment. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering or other losses incurred.