Exploring the Different Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, or the lining around many of the internal organs. It is a very aggressive form of cancer that can take years to develop, and in many cases symptoms don’t appear until the cancer is in its later stages. Treatment for mesothelioma is available, but there is no known cure.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
The only cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was once widely used in several American industries. Hot water pipes, automobile brake pads, drywall, and textiles may all contain asbestos, especially if they were manufactured more than thirty years ago. Most of the time, these materials are harmless, but they can shed microscopic asbestos fibers if they are damaged or disturbed. These fibers can be ingested or inhaled and remain in the body for years. Over time, they migrate to the mesothelial lining and cause cellular changes that result in cancer of the mesothelium, known as mesothelioma.
Types of Mesothelioma
There are a few different types of mesothelioma that can affect different parts of your body. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the pleural membrane that surrounds the lungs. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, a persistent and painful cough, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss and lumps of tissue that can be felt under the skin of your chest.
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the mesothelium in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma include abdominal pain, swelling and lumps of tissue under the skin. Like pleural mesothelioma, there is also usually unexplained weight loss.
Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma make up 90 percent of mesothelioma cases, but there are other forms of this cancer that are less common but still deadly. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the pericardium, or the lining surrounding the heart. Symptoms include chest pains, shortness of breath, swelling in the face and arms, fatigue, a persistent cough and heart murmurs. Pericardial mesothelioma accounts for only one percent of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Testicular mesothelioma is by far the rarest form of mesothelioma and accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases. It is also very difficult to diagnose since doctors frequently mistake it for a hernia or other more common ailments. Symptoms include a buildup of fluid in the scrotum, abnormal lumps in the testicles, swelling and pain. Surgery is often required for a proper diagnosis.
Seeking Compensation for Mesothelioma
Although mesothelioma can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, there is no known cure for this aggressive form of cancer. However, you can receive compensation for damages if you or a loved one receives a mesothelioma diagnosis.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact a mesothelioma lawyer from Goldberg, Persky & White. Even though you may not be able to cure this rare and horrible disease, you can at least make sure that you and your loved ones are properly compensated. Our team of asbestos attorneys will not rest until you receive the maximum compensation possible. Call us today for a free case review, and let us work to protect your rights.
