Malignant mesothelioma is always deadly, and it is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma can develop as a benign tumor or it can be malignant. The three types of mesothelioma are pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial. These mesothelioma types are named based on the area of the body that is first affected.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. About three out of every four individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma are affected by either benign or malignant pleural mesothelioma. Most individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma have the malignant form of the disease. Pleural mesothelioma is so called because it affects the mesothelial tissue of the pleurae – two membranes that line the body cavity containing the lungs.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, fatigue, anemia, blood in the sputum, and chest pain caused by accumulated fluid in and surrounding the lungs. In advanced cases of pleural mesothelioma, tumors develop in the mesothelial tissue, and like other cancers malignant pleural mesothelioma may metastasize and spread to other parts of the body.
If you have worked with asbestos in the past, it is a good idea to schedule regular checkups with your doctor, and to watch for symptoms of mesothelioma on your own. Statistically, Caucasian males who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace are the most likely to show mesothelioma symptoms. Because the symptoms of the disease may not manifest for 20 to 50 years after exposure, it is difficult to predict when or whether it will develop.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common form of the disease, affecting about two of every ten mesothelioma patients diagnosed each year. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, which is the mesothelial tissue that lines the abdominal cavity. For this reason, peritoneal mesothelioma is sometimes also called abdominal mesothelioma.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include diffuse abdominal pain and swelling linked to fluid buildup, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, general weakness, blood clotting abnormalities, fever, and breathing problems. As peritoneal mesothelioma advances, one or more tumors may develop in the mesothelial lining of the abdominal cavity. These tumors sometimes cause bowel obstruction and swelling in the affected area of the abdomen.
As with other types of mesothelioma, the specific symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are easily confused with symptoms of less serious medical conditions. For this reason, you should be very clear with your doctor if you have any kind of history of asbestos exposure at home or in the workplace, and you should also undergo regular examinations to check for signs of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related medical conditions. An examination for peritoneal mesothelioma may include a laparoscopic procedure to remove a tissue sample from the peritoneum for further testing and analysis.
Pericardial mesothelioma affects the pericardium – mesothelial tissue lining the cavity containing the heart and the major vessels that supply blood to the circulatory system.
Pericardial mesothelioma is considered to be the most painful form of the disease. As pericardial mesothelioma develops, fluid begins to build up around the heart. This fluid buildup — called “pericardial effusion” — progresses, pressure increases around the heart, causing progressively serious chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and persistent coughing. Short-term treatment strategies may include draining this fluid, but this is not a long-term solution as it does not address the cancerous growths in the mesothelial tissue, which may eventually metastasize.
A patient who has pericardial mesothelioma can expect to suffer through expensive treatment and a long, painful fight. If pericardial mesothelioma develops as a result of past exposure to asbestos in the workplace, it may be possible to hold the victim's employer and other parties liable for allowing unsafe conditions to exist. This is particularly true for mesothelioma patients who were employed in high-risk professions.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma or another form of the deadly disease, we urge you to contact our firm today so that we can help you achieve justice and the full compensation you deserve.
If you were subjected to long-term asbestos exposure and are now suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, or pericardial mesothelioma, you need a skilled lawyer to help you achieve justice and compensation for the hardships you are facing. Contact the Madeksho Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
To learn more about malignant pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, and other forms of this deadly disease, contact us today.
Contact the Madeksho Law Firm, specializing in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation, to speak with our lawyers about your case. Our consultations are free, and we serve asbestos victims nationwide.