Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly form of cancer that attacks the lining of lungs, stomach or heart. Victims of mesothelioma may have lived or worked around asbestos products for years without knowing the danger it posed. Once breathed in, asbestos particles can remain in the protective lining that covers many of the body’s vital organs for decades, causing damage years before an individual is diagnosed with mesothelioma.

There are several different types of mesothelioma, depending on area of the body that is affected. While pleural (lung) mesothelioma is the most common, other types can affect the lining of the abdomen or the heart. Here are the types of mesothelioma and their symptoms:

Pleural Mesothelioma (Lung)

The most common type of asbestos cancer is pleural mesothelioma. Approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases are this type. The pleura are the mesothelium around the lungs and in the chest. Scientists believe that asbestos particles become lodged in the pleura after they are breathed in, and irritate the lining. Asbestos can remain in the lung lining for 30-40 years before mesothelioma is diagnosed.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

  • Persistent coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tightening in the chest

Since the symptoms of this cancer are so closely related to other respiratory illness such as bronchitis and pneumonia, pleural mesothelioma may be initially misdiagnosed.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdomen)

When mesothelioma is found in the lining of the abdomen, it is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Medical experts think that asbestos might travel through lymph system to get to the abdominal lining, or that particles may have been inadvertently swallowed by those working around the substance. It is estimated that anywhere from 10-30% of asbestos cancer cases are peritoneal mesothelioma.

Generally, peritoneal mesothelioma seems to be diagnosed 20-30 years after exposure to asbestos.

Symptoms include:

  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Abdominal pain
  • Distended abdomen

Pericardial Mesothelioma (Heart)

The rarest form of mesothelioma affects the lining around the heart. No one knows exactly how asbestos makes its way to the heart lining, but some experts think that small pieces might break off from particles lodged in the lung lining and travel through the bloodstream to the heart.

Less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases are of the pericardial type. As the asbestos creates fluid around the heart, symptoms of the cancer include irregular heart activity.

Symptoms include:

  • Heart palpitations
  • Chest pain
  • Fatigue

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