Types of Mesothelioma
Exposure to asbestos or related materials causes mesothelioma, a rare type of cancer. This type of cancer shows up as a malignant tumor and will continue to enlarge and spread into various parts of the body. Epithelioid, sarcomatoid and mixed biphasic are malignant mesotheliomas cells that show up in various parts of the body. The types of mesothelioma include pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and benign mesothelioma. There is no cure for malignant mesothelioma; however, advancements in the medical community have extended the survival time.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The majority of the diagnosed mesothelioma is found in the lungs and is called pleural mesothelioma. A thin membrane found in the pleura sac called the mesothelium secretes a fluid that causes the lungs to expand and contract. Asbestos causes a build-up of microscopic sharp fibers that penetrate the walls of the lungs. The sharp strands shred the pleural cavity and cause cancerous tumors that hamper proper lung movement. The pressure from the tumors on the ribcage and other organs cause immense pain.
The cause of pleural mesothelioma is strictly related to asbestos exposure. It is possible for this cancer to spread to other parts of the body via the bloodstream as the cancerous cells begin to replace healthy cells. Common treatments include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos that affects the gastrointestinal tract. In order to digest and process food properly, the movement of this tract and surrounding organs must not be restricted. Symptoms include problems with bowel movements, pain in the stomach and lower abdomen, loss of weight and appetite, nausea, and swelling of the abdomen.
Asbestos fibers enter the stomach and penetrate the stomach lining when ingested. The cells on the exterior lining mutate into cancerous cells, which turn into tumors and kill off healthy cells. The tumors can cause agonizing pain when they press on the surrounding organs. As with other types of mesothelioma, treatment consists of surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Although rare, inhaled asbestos fibers can shred the pericardium and cause pericardial mesothelioma. The pericardium is a protective sac that provides lubrication and protects the heart. The heart requires constant lubrication to function properly. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include shortness or breath, chest pain, coughing, palpitations and an irregular heartbeat.
Radiation is the preferred course of treatment to slow the spread of pericardial mesothelioma. Chemotherapy is sometimes used to help boost the effects of the radiation. Fine needle aspiration is often used to relieve symptoms by drawing out excess fluid collecting in the pericardium. Again, no amount of treatment will cure this type of cancer.
The asbestos industry has placed money ahead of people for years. It is up to you to take action, by calling the telephone number listed above to recover financial compensation for pain and suffering caused by any the three types of mesothelioma on behalf of yourself or your family member.
