Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer that is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. The disease affects the lining of various organs in the body, leading to debilitating symptoms and a poor prognosis. Asbestos, once commonly used in construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing, is now known to be a dangerous carcinogen. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or are supporting someone with the condition, understanding its different types can help you navigate treatment options and legal steps for compensation.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the various types of mesothelioma, how they affect the body, and the differences between each type.
What Is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs. The condition is most commonly caused by asbestos exposure, which occurs when fibers are inhaled or ingested and become lodged in the mesothelium. Over time, these fibers can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to the development of cancerous cells.
While mesothelioma is rare, it is most often diagnosed decades after initial exposure to asbestos. The disease typically affects older individuals who have worked in industries like construction, shipbuilding, and automotive repair.
The Different Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is classified based on the location in the body where the cancer develops. The most common types of mesothelioma include:
1. Pleural Mesothelioma (Lung Cancer)
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease, accounting for approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases. It affects the pleura, the protective lining surrounding the lungs.
Symptoms:
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Chest pain
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Shortness of breath
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Persistent cough
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Unexplained weight loss
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Fatigue
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Difficulty swallowing
Pleural mesothelioma is often diagnosed after a patient presents with respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath or coughing. Because these symptoms can resemble other lung diseases like pneumonia, it can sometimes take years to get an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options:
Treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. If caught early enough, surgery to remove the affected pleura (pleurectomy) or parts of the lung (lobectomy) may be an option. However, the prognosis for pleural mesothelioma remains poor, as it is often diagnosed at later stages.
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdominal Cancer)
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers the organs within it. This type of mesothelioma accounts for about 10-20% of all cases.
Symptoms:
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Abdominal pain
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Swelling or bloating
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Nausea and vomiting
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Weight loss
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Fatigue
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be particularly challenging to diagnose due to its symptoms, which are often similar to those of other digestive disorders. Because it affects the abdomen, it can also cause the organs inside the abdominal cavity to become compressed, making it difficult for patients to eat or drink without discomfort.
Treatment Options:
Treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma often includes surgery, chemotherapy, and in some cases, heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), where chemotherapy is directly applied to the affected area during surgery. Early diagnosis significantly improves survival rates for peritoneal mesothelioma, but the prognosis is still generally poor.
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma (Heart Cancer)
Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of the disease, accounting for less than 5% of all mesothelioma cases. It affects the pericardium, the sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart.
Symptoms:
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Chest pain
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Heart palpitations
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Difficulty breathing
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Persistent coughing
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Fatigue
Due to its rarity and the fact that many of its symptoms mimic those of heart disease, pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. Patients may initially be misdiagnosed with other heart conditions, which can delay the appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options:
Treatment for pericardial mesothelioma often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. However, due to the location of the cancer near vital organs, treatment options are often more limited than for other types of mesothelioma. The prognosis for pericardial mesothelioma is usually poor, and survival rates are low.
4. Testicular Mesothelioma (Scrotal Cancer)
Testicular mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of the disease that affects the mesothelium lining the testes. It accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma cases.
Symptoms:
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Swelling or pain in the scrotum
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Testicular lumps or masses
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Abdominal discomfort
Testicular mesothelioma is typically diagnosed when men experience swelling or discomfort in the scrotum. This form of mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose early, and its symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions such as infections or benign testicular conditions.
Treatment Options:
Treatment may involve surgery to remove the affected testicle (orchiectomy), followed by chemotherapy or radiation. Due to its rarity, there is limited data on the long-term prognosis of testicular mesothelioma, but treatment options have improved over the years.
How Mesothelioma is Diagnosed
Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose, especially in its early stages. If you suspect asbestos exposure or experience symptoms like persistent cough, chest pain, or abdominal pain, it is important to consult with a doctor. Diagnostic methods may include:
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Imaging Tests: CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays to examine the chest, abdomen, or other affected areas.
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Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken from the affected area to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
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Blood Tests: While no blood tests can definitively diagnose mesothelioma, certain markers can indicate the likelihood of cancer.
Legal Considerations for Mesothelioma Victims
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to compensation. Asbestos manufacturers and employers who failed to protect workers from exposure can be held accountable for their negligence. A mesothelioma lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and pursue a claim for financial compensation.
Common Types of Compensation:
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Workers’ Compensation: If you were exposed to asbestos while working, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
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Mesothelioma Lawsuits: Victims can file lawsuits against manufacturers, contractors, or employers responsible for asbestos exposure.
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Asbestos Trust Funds: Many companies that were responsible for asbestos exposure have set up trust funds to compensate victims.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma is a devastating disease caused by asbestos exposure, and understanding the different types can help you make informed decisions about treatment and legal action. While the prognosis for mesothelioma is generally poor, advancements in treatment and early diagnosis offer hope for many patients. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s important to consult with a medical professional and a qualified mesothelioma lawyer to understand your options and rights.