Types of Mesothelioma

A rare type of cancer, mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos or asbestos-related materials. As with many cancers, it is divided into two groups: malignant and benign. Sadly, mesothelioma is seldom benign. If you do have mesothelioma, chances are that it is in the malignant state. The tumor will grow and expand, and will likely spread cancerous cells to other areas of your body.

There are three main types of malignant mesothelioma cells:

Epithelioid-this affects the surrounding internal organs and surfaces. This is the most common, but also has the best survival rate.
Sarcomatoid-this affects the secondary tissues including bones, muscles, cartilage and fat. This is more serious, but much rarer.
Mixed or biphasic-this is both types of cancers at once, and accounts for the second most common of occurrences.

Besides the types of malignant cells, mesothelioma is classified by three main types, which affect different areas of your body. These are:

Pleural mesothelioma-this type attacks the cells and lining (called your pleura) your lungs and ribs. It is the most common form, accounting for about 75 percent of all patients.

Symptoms associated with pleural mesothelioma include:

Difficulty swallowing
Facial swelling
Persistent coughing
Weight loss
Fever
Rasping and coughing up blood
Shortness of breath whether you are active or resting
Severe pain in the chest or ribs

Peritoneal mesothelioma-this type attacks the tissues in your abdomen, mainly your stomach and intestines. It comprises between 10 and 20 percent of all known cases. This cancer may begin in your abdominal area and spread to other parts of your body. However, tumors that place pressure against your abdominal wall may cause the following symptoms:

Nausea
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Abdominal pain and/or swelling
Vomiting
Difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Bowel obstruction
Fever
Blood clotting

Pericardial mesothelioma-this type attacks the sac and lining around your heart. It is the rarest form of this fatal cancer, but perhaps the most deadly. There are often no definite symptoms, so by the time you or a loved one realizes that you are suffering from this cancer it may be too late for treatment.

There are, however, a few notable symptoms to look out for such as:

Shortness of breath
Persistent coughing
Chest pain
Heart palpitations

With all forms of mesothelioma, the symptoms can take as long as 20 or 30 years to surface-sometimes more. This makes it virtually impossible for people to realize that they’ve been affected until it’s too late.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, please contact Baltimore mesothelioma lawyers, , LLP for a free initial consultation.

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