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Mesothelioma is the general term used for any type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, which is the tissue that surrounds one's vital organs. While all forms of mesothelioma are a result of exposure to asbestos, a toxic chemical found in many locations, there is more than one type of this form of cancer.

As the mesothelium tissue can be found in many parts of the body, the cancer that develops in this tissue can also be found in different areas. Accordingly, there are four types of mesothelioma currently recognized by medical professionals: testicular, pericardial, peritoneal, and pleural. These names refer to the area of the body in which the cancer is concentrated.

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular refers to the testicles, so this form of mesothelioma affects the tissue found in this part of the male anatomy. This is the least common form of the disease, and as such, there is not a great deal of information available on prevalence statistics or common treatments. There have been less than one hundred cases of this type of mesothelioma reported at this point.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Also one of the more rare forms of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma affects the mesothelium found around the heart. The symptoms, which include a persistent cough, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, problems breathing, and chest pain, are difficult to differentiate from those of pleural mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The peritoneum refers to the lining of the abdominal cavity, which is why the cancer that occurs in this tissue is referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma. This cancer affects the tissues surrounding the organs found in the abdomen, including the stomach and intestines. Peritoneal mesothelioma is more common than either testicular or pericardial mesothelioma, accounting for somewhere between ten and twenty percent of the total number of mesothelioma cases reported. Some symptoms of this form of cancer include pain or swelling in the abdomen, bowel issues, anemia, problems breathing, nausea, blood clotting, loss of appetite, vomiting, and chest pains.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Approximately three quarters of all mesothelioma cases are pleural mesothelioma, making this the most common type of the disease. This type of cancer is concentrated in the tissues around the lungs and those that line the cavity in which the lungs are located. Patients with pleural mesothelioma notice symptoms because fluid builds up between the wall of the chest cavity and the lungs, which makes it harder for the lungs to function properly. Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include finding it hard to breath, pains in the chest area, and a persistent cough.

Each of these four types of mesothelioma is a serious condition. If you or someone you care about may have any form of this cancer, it is important to seek qualified legal advice from mesothelioma attorneys who have experience in this complex area of the law.

Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that is almost always the result of asbestos exposure. The longer a person has been exposed to asbestos, the greater his or her chances are of developing this dangerous disease. Once you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, doctors will try to identify the cell type so that they can better estimate your life expectancy as well as devise the best treatment plan for you.

Mesothelioma attacks the special cells that line the cavities and organs of your body, called the mesothelium. Typically, this cancer is categorized based on the location of the initial tumor growth. For instance, if your cancer starts in your abdomen, it is called peritoneal mesothelioma. However, doctors will also try to identify the cell type present in your tumor.

Mesothelioma cells come in two different forms, epithelioid and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid cells make up 50-70% of mesothelioma cases, and they are generally more easily treated than sarcomatoid. Under a microscope, they appear cubic or tubular in shape with a distinct nucleus. On the other hand, sarcomatoid cells are less uniform with a less distinct nucleus. They are more fibrous, and they tend to appear in oval or spindle shapes.

Interestingly, epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells are easily confused with other types of cancer. Therefore, it can sometimes be difficult for a doctor to identify if you have mesothelioma or a type of cancer called sarcomatoid carcinoma or sarcoma, or epithelioid mesothelioma rather than adenocarcinoma.

The last type of mesothelioma is called biphasic. In fact, this is not its own cell type, but actually a mix of the two other types. These tumors will have mixed chunks of either epithelioid or sarcomatoid cells. Although biphasic tumors are easier to identify as mesothelioma than strictly one or the other, this is actually the most deadly form of this cancer.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, no matter what the type, it is understandably a difficult and confusing time. For more information regarding this cancer, its treatment, and asbestos, please visit the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Help Center today.

A person who is exposed to asbestos inhales or ingests fiber that is not really visible to the naked eyes. Over time these fibers react with the body cells in a manner that they undergo mutation and cause malignant Mesothelioma. This exposure can be direct and also indirect, when family members and friends come in contact with the person who is exposed to asbestos.

Types of Mesothelioma

The first type of Mesothelioma is called Pleural Mesothelioma and this affects the inner lining of the lungs which is called the pleura. When the fibers of asbestos are inhaled they cause he formation of scars and damage the cells present in the inner lining. This leads to the onslaught of mesothelioma cancer. This is the most common type of Mesothelioma and the symptoms are breathlessness, pain the chest, retention of fluid in the lungs and blood traces in the sputum.

The next type of Mesothelioma is called Peritoneal Mesothelioma and it affects the inner lining of the stomach. This happens when the fibers of asbestos enter the body and interfere with the normal cells penetrating their thin lining. This is not very common, but the onslaught manifests in the form of symptoms that include pain in the abdomen, feeling of nausea, constipation, lumps of tissue in the abdomen etc.

The third type is the Pericardial Mesothelioma and this affects the lining around the heart. There are very few cases of this type of cancer diagnosed and the symptoms include chest pain, palpitations and mild cough.

Mesothelioma life expectancy

This is a very dangerous form of cancer and a person who is diagnosed does not live for more than two years. The danger is more from the fact that the symptoms only manifest decades after initial exposure to asbestos fiber. Though the main cause is exposure to asbestos, this is not the only cause. It takes about 30 to 40 years to surface after initial infection. But the main cause for worry is that by the time it gets diagnosed it is usually in the last stages. The Mesothelioma life expectancy is less than two years and this time period is very painful, mentally and physically. There are many doctors and surgeons who are constantly experimenting with treatments and prevention methods, feeling very positive that the Mesothelioma Life Expectancy can be increased to almost 5 years. If this is possible then it will be a great achievement in the world of medicine because as of today Mesothelioma is a 'dreaded' silent killer.

Benefits of early diagnosis

A person who has been exposed to asbestos at any point of time in life is always advised to get checked for Mesothelioma. Even if you are not directly exposed, even if a family member is exposed it is better to get yourself and your family checked for signs. Since it takes a long time for the symptoms to surface your current state of health is not a criterion. Even if you are completely fine now getting yourself checked does no harm. It is better to get checked before the symptoms show up because then it will be too late.

There are many types of cancers and most of them are the result of causes yet unknown. But Malignant Mesothelioma is due to the exposure to asbestos and Mesothelioma Life Expectancy is imperative to know the types of this cancer.