Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer that is associated with exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate material that is extremely harmful to breathe in and can lead to asbestos-related diseases. There are four different types of mesothelioma, all affecting different parts of the body. The four types of mesothelioma are pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis.
Pleural Mesothelioma
This type of mesothelioma forms in the lining of the lungs, starting in the thoracic cavity. It is the most common form of mesothelioma, with about 75% of all cases. Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include cough, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, pain in the side of the chest or lower back, hoarseness, swelling of the face and arms, loss of appetite, night sweats, pleural effusion and pleural plaques. Common treatment options for pleural mesothelioma are immunotherapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, extra pleural pneumonectomy surgery and pleurectomy decortication surgery.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma starts in the abdominal cavity and affects about 20% of all victims. Common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include nausea and vomiting, constipation, pain in the abdomen, swelling or fluid in the abdomen, blood clots, fever, weight loss, night sweats and intestinal obstruction. Treatment options for this type of mesothelioma include chemotherapy and cytoreductive therapy. Treatment can also include heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy known as HIPEC.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma starts in the cells lining the heart and is very rare. Common symptoms include irregular heart rhythm, shortness of breath, heart murmur, pain in the chest, dry cough, trouble swallowing, shoulder pain and swelling of the legs or lower extremities. Some treatment options for pericardial mesothelioma include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and pericardiectomy surgery.
Testicular Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis starts in the cell layer covering the testicles and is extremely rare, affecting less than 1% of people who have mesothelioma. Symptoms may include spermatocele, scrotal swelling, solid scrotal mass, hydrocele and inguinal mass. Treatment options may include chemotherapy or radiation therapy, but the most common treatment option is removing a testicle and its spermatic cord.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please call (800) 505-6000 for legal help. For more information, fill out our form.
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