Types of Mesothelioma

The four body areas discussed below have a mesothelium lining. Mesothelium cells produce a lubricating fluid that is released between layers, providing a slippery, non-adhesive, and protective surface to facilitate movement. It has other functions as well. These cells repair other cells. Mesothelial cells are capable of phagocytosis and are antigen-presenting cells. The secretion of glycosaminoglycans and lubricants may protect the body against infection and tumor dissemination.

Asbestos exposure causes 90% of mesothelioma (cancer in a mesothelium) cases. Because this layer’s membranes are so thick, early mesothelioma diagnosis is unlikely. If doctors do not get ahead of mesothelioma or any other kind of cancer, the future is bleak for victims and families. A nationwide mesothelioma lawyer obtains the compensation these families need to more effectively fight their diseases and make their futures a little brighter.

This disease forms in the lining around the lungs, also called the pleura. This rare cancer is caused by asbestos exposure. When a person inhales asbestos fibers, the fibers may end up in the pleura. Over time, irritation caused by these fibers may lead to tumor growth. Physical symptoms include:

• Chest pain,
• Coughing up blood,
• Difficulty swallowing,
• Dry cough,
• Fatigue,
• Loss of appetite,
• Night sweats,
• Pleural effusion (fluid buildup in the pleura),
• Pleural plaques,
• Shortness of breath, and.
• Unexplained weight loss

The median survival for pleural mesothelioma is about 18 months with treatment. In addition to standard treatments, doctors often combine treatments (multimodal therapy). Combination plans are associated with better pleural mesothelioma survival than single treatment plans. For example, one study reported a median survival of 35 months in patients treated with chemotherapy plus surgery.

Peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdomen, also called the peritoneum. When inhaled or ingested, asbestos fibers occasionally migrate to the peritoneum. These fibers can cause irritation and cellular damage that can lead to tumor growth. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain,
• Abdominal swelling,
• Ascites/peritoneal effusion (fluid buildup in the peritoneum),
• Blood clots,
• Fever,
• Inflammatory lesions,
• Intestinal obstruction,
• Night sweats, and
• Weight loss.

Median survival for peritoneal patients who receive treatment is about 2.5 years. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients have different treatment options, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy. HIPEC is a local chemotherapy applied to the abdominal cavity. Survival for patients who receive HIPEC varies from two to eight years.

Pericardial mesothelioma forms in the lining of the heart, also called the pericardium. It accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma cases. Pericardial mesothelioma has been linked to asbestos exposure. However, there is a lack of information about the exact way this mesothelioma type develops due to its rarity.

Testicular mesothelioma forms in the lining around the testicle, called the tunica vaginalis. This lining covers the testes. This type is also very rare, accounting for less than 1% of mesothelioma cases. This form of mesothelioma has been connected to asbestos exposure. But once again, due to its rarity, the exact way it develops is not fully understood.

With treatment, testicular mesothelioma has a median survival of six years. The most common treatment removes a testicle and its spermatic cord. Patients may also receive chemotherapy or radiation.

Mesothelioma victims need and deserve significant compensation. For a confidential consultation with an experienced nationwide asbestos lawyer, contact the Throneberry Law Group. Virtual, home, and hospital visits are available.