Types of Mesothelioma Cancer
There are actually three different kinds of mesothelioma, each affecting a different area in the body. Though there are times when the cancer can spread, mesothelioma generally attacks the lining of the lungs, heart, abdomen, and chest. Symptoms also vary, depending on the specific type of mesothelioma that may have been acquired. Below are the three forms of mesothelioma. If you or a loved one exhibit any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and makes up about 75 percent of all mesothelioma cases. The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness of breath, fluid buildup, and a persistent cough. Victims can also experience pain when breathing.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) and accounts for between 20 to 25 percent of all known mesothelioma cases. Those who are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma have the best life expectancy, especially if the cancer is caught and treated as soon as possible. However, while peritoneal mesothelioma doesn’t typically spread to the lungs, it has been shown to spread other areas in the abdomen, including the ovaries, liver, and intestines. Common symptoms include stomach pain, fluid buildup, sudden and unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite, nausea, blood clots, and fever.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma targets the heart. The most common symptoms of this type of mesothelioma cancer are chest pain, fatigue, fluid buildup, and heart murmurs. Of all the different kinds of mesothelioma cancer, pericardial mesothelioma is especially hard to detect and diagnose. In addition, the cancer has a high chance of metastasizing to the lungs or abdomen, so obtaining medical treatment right away is critical.
If you have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, have come in contact with asbestos, or believe you may have been exposed to asbestos fibers in any way, seek the help of a mesothelioma lawyer in Virginia immediately. While mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer and is difficult to diagnose, there are still options available to victims and their loved ones. Your mesothelioma attorney will do everything in their power to see that you receive expert medical attention and unrivaled legal advice.
