Malignant Mesothelioma Types
Malignant mesothelioma is a serious type of asbestos cancer that has proven to be incurable thus far. This rare disease is three times more common in men than women and commonly develops when a person is between 50 and 70 years old.
There are three types of malignant mesothelioma, each of which affects a different serous membrane (a type of membrane that lines certain body cavities):
- Pleural Mesothelioma affects the pleura, the serous membrane lining the lungs.
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, the serous membrane lining the abdomen.
- Pericardial Mesothelioma affects the pericardium, the serous membrane lining the heart sac.
There are a number of treatments available to slow the progression of malignant mesothelioma and provide relief of its symptoms. However, the average post-diagnostic survival time is a mere one or two years.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma, accounting for 75 percent of all confirmed cases. Pleural mesothelioma is often referred to as lung cancer because of its proximity to the lungs; this is an inaccurate label. Whereas lung cancer affects the lung tissue, pleural mesothelioma affects the tissue that encases the lungs (pleura).
The most common presenting symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms mimic those of a number of other lung conditions and diseases, including asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. As a result, it is occasionally misdiagnosed as one of these symptomatically similar conditions.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type of malignant mesothelioma, accounting for 10 to 20 percent of all confirmed cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos fibers that become lodged in the peritoneal lining of the abdomen.
Mesothelioma researchers are uncertain as to how asbestos fibers manage to reach the peritoneum. One school of thought is that the fibers may be ingested as well as inhaled. Researchers subscribing to this theory believe that ingested asbestos fibers travel through the digestive tract and settle in the peritoneum, where they develop into mesothelioma tumors.
In rare cases, peritoneal mesothelioma can affect the testicles. The serous membrane that encases the scrotum is actually a part of the peritoneum. Researchers theorize that asbestos fibers may migrate to the scrotum in the same manner that they migrate to the abdominal wall.
The most common presenting symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are abdominal swelling and discomfort. Both of these symptoms are caused by fluid buildup within the peritoneal space.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is the least common type of malignant mesothelioma, accounting for less than 10 percent of all confirmed cases. As with peritoneal mesothelioma, researchers are uncertain as to how asbestos fibers make their way to the pericardium. Some experts have hypothesized that inhaled asbestos fibers may be absorbed into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, the fibers could be circulated to the heart, ultimately settling in the pericardium and causing pericardial mesothelioma.
The most common presenting symptom of pericardial mesothelioma is chest pain. This can be the result of an irregular heartbeat caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardial space.
Mesothelioma Cell Types
As part of the diagnostic process, malignant mesothelioma is further classified based on cellular structure. The three most common categories are:
- Epithelioid mesothelioma: Epithelioid cellular structure is the most common for malignant mesothelioma. Epithelioid cells are relatively uniform in shape.
- Sarcomatoid mesothelioma: The sarcomatoid cellular structure accounts for less than 15 percent of mesothelioma cancer cells, making it the least common type. Sarcomatoid cells are oval shaped and more irregular.
- Biphasic mesothelioma: The biphasic category refers to a combination of epithelioid and sarcomatoid cancer cells.
By understanding the histology (structure) of malignant mesothelioma, specialists are better able to diagnose the severity of the disease and map out a treatment plan.
Our attorneys are gifted California mesothelioma attorneys who have filed a number of asbestos lawsuits in California and across the country. These lawsuits have helped our clients to receive compensation for the devastating illnesses caused by asbestos exposure.
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