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Types Of Mesothelioma

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Mesothelioma is a terminal, malignant cancer that aggressively attacks healthy tissue surrounding the lungs, heart, and abdominal cavities. At times, other bodily cavities are effected as well, although this is less likely. Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos, a fibrous, natural mineral normally found in the environment. If appears as bundles, either as needle-like structures or spiral rings. They can enter the body through inhalation or ingestion, causing irreversible damage. Prolonged asbestosis, or the inflammation of the lungs and other organs, can lead to mesothelioma.

Types of Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma- Cancer cells, or tumors, develop uncontrollably in protective membranes surrounding the heart. The condition is least common in mesothelioma patients, diagnosed in as few as 1 to 6 percent of all patients with this disease. Less than 200 cases have been reported globally. Rather than a centralized tumor, pericardial mesothelioma is characterized by smaller tumors, which cover the entire surface of the heart. CAT scans, MRIs, and x-rays may help to detect the tumors, but long-term prognosis is not good, as there is no known cure for this condition. Most tumors cannot be removed, as they cover too much surface area.

Pleural Mesothelioma- Asbestos fibers become lodged in the chest and lungs, producing tumors in the mesothelium, outer tissues which surround these areas. Usually, this condition is not detected because symptoms are fairly mild and confused with other illnesses. In additional, once symptoms are detected, treatments do little to slow the progression of the cancer. Once it has manifested itself, it can spread to the brain and other vital organs of the body. Typically, people who contract this form of mesothelioma have only 4 months to 2 years to live. 8 percent of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma live 3 years or longer. Researchers have discovered new blood cell markers, which can make it easier to detect the illness sooner. With treatments, patients can cope with the symptoms.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma- This form of mesothelioma occurs in 30 percent of all patients suffering from the disease. Cancer cells manifest in the cavities of the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma is typically diagnosed when the patients inadvertently ingests the toxic substance over a long period of time. Most of the time, the cancer cells spread to the liver, spleen, and other abdominal organs in the body, causing painfully swelling and nausea. As fluids build up, patients may suffer additional complications. Unfortunately, this is the most fatal form of mesothelioma. Patients do not typical survive after 10 months from diagnosis. Again, treatments may provide temporary relief from symptoms, but there is no known cure for the disease.

Although extremely rare, tumors related to asbestos have been reported in the reproductive organs of both men and women. These are even more difficult to detect. Specialized microscopes and other medical equipment is required during diagnostic testing.

All forms of mesothelioma are relatively rare. There are only 2,000 to 3,000 people diagnosed with the disorder annually in the United States. Most of the times, exposure to asbestos is completely preventable. If you are 65 year of age or older, you may have contracted the cancer as a result of employer negligence. Despite all the warnings of this hazardous material, many employers neglected to protect workers from these poor conditions. As a result, these individuals are facing lawsuits, and many are forced to file for bankruptcy. If you have been diagnosed with this debilitating disease, contact an attorney to walk you through a litigation process. You deserve compensation for all the medical expenses and losses you have been forced to endure. An experienced attorney can provide you with the support you need during this trying time.