Types of Mesothelioma
There are five known types of mesothelioma. Four of these are malignant cancers, and one is a benign condition.
Pleural Mesothelioma: This type of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. It is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma, with around 70% of cases being pleural in origin.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneal membrane. Approximately 25% of mesothelioma are of this type.
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It’s important to know that you can talk to an attorney about seeking compensation for pain and suffering.
Pericardial Mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium. About 5% of all mesothelioma cases are pericardial.
Testicular Mesothelioma: This is the rarest type of malignant mesothelioma; to date, there have been less than 100 recorded cases. Testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis of the testicles.
Benign Mesothelioma: The benign form of mesothelioma most commonly develops in the pleura. This is the only form of mesothelioma for which full cure and recovery is the probable outcome, though it may be a precursor of future asbestos-related problems.
Mesothelioma Symptoms and Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to treat, largely due to the fact that it remains latent in the body for up to five decades and is usually not diagnosed until its late stages. Also, diagnosis may be difficult due to the non-specific nature of most mesothelioma symptoms, which often resemble symptoms of less serious diseases.
The process for diagnosis usually begins with a compilation of the patient’s full medical and work history including any exposure to asbestos. A medical examination is performed and if a problem is suspected, one or more diagnostic tests are ordered. These typically include medical imaging tests such as x-ray or
CT and MRI scans, as well as biopsy procedures that test samples of fluid and tissue for the presence of cancer cells. Diagnostic tests are also used to determine how far the cancer has advanced and whether it has spread to other locations in the body.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Mesothelioma treatments can be divided into two main categories: curative treatments and palliative treatments. Curative treatments are those carried out in an attempt to remove all cancer cells and cure the disease. Palliative treatments are designed to ease pain and make a patient more comfortable.
Treatments for mesothelioma include conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, as well as experimental procedures, including immunotherapy and gene therapy.
Generally, a patient with mesothelioma will receive more than one type of conventional treatment. For example, he or she may undergo surgery to remove the bulk of cancerous tissue, and then receive chemotherapy or radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Experimental treatments are typically available only to patients who agree to enter clinical trials. In these cases, patients must fit certain criteria to be eligible.
Legal Issues
The dangers of asbestos exposure were known long before any efforts were made to protect workers. Many thousands of American workers were exposed to asbestos during the 20th century, with no indication as to the risks that they were facing.
Companies that produced asbestos-containing products or used these products on a daily basis are liable for their negligence in failing to protect their workers. If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease as a result of asbestos exposure, it’s important to know that you can talk to an attorney about seeking compensation for pain and suffering as well as reimbursement for medical expenses and lost income.
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