Types of Mesothelioma

There is hope for mesothelioma patients.  A lot of research has been done and continues to be done with the aim to find a cure.  Through this research, it has been discovered that there are three types of mesothelioma.  These types of mesothelioma vary based on where the disease originated in the body.  They also each have their own symptoms as well as treatments.  The three types of mesothelioma are peritoneal, pleural, and pericardial.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

This mesothelioma begins in the abdomen.  Like other types of mesothelioma, it can remain dormant for a while, never really showing symptoms until the mesothelioma has advanced quite a bit. 

Symptoms of Peritoneal mesothelioma:

* Pain in and around the abdominal region.

* Loss of appetite, or nausea. 

Peritoneal mesothelioma is detectable through an x-ray or CT scan.  There are treatment options to care for the pain, but there is no cure.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, which is the most common form of this disease, begins in the chest.  The “pleura” in pleural mesothelioma refers to a layer that protects the lungs. 

Symptoms of Pleural mesothelioma include:

* Difficultly breathing.

* Pain around the chest area.

* Persistent cough and fatigue.

Sometimes pleural mesothelioma is confused with lung cancer.  If a patient is diagnosed incorrectly, that can adversely affect the medical treatment the patients receive. 

Pericardial Mesothelioma

This form of mesothelioma originates in the covering of the heart.  It is also caused by asbestos, and is said to be caused by long-lasting exposure to asbestos.  There is no cure, but there are treatment options for patients to address some of the pain they feel.  This is one of the rarest forms mesothelioma. 

Symptoms of Pericardial mesothelioma include:

* Dyspnea (Latin dyspnoea, Greek dyspnoia from dyspnoos, short of breath)

* Cough

* Palpitations

Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed after the disease has grown and sometimes spread.  Two of the common treatments are chemotherapy or radiation therapy. 

Anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma should understand their legal rights as well as their medical options.  Contact an attorney today to gain an understanding of these legal rights, as there is only a certain amount of time available to hold those who exposed you to this disease responsible.  Your initial consultation is free, so contact an attorney today.