Types of Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma
The most common type of mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma, is a disease that affects the lining of the lungs. Often times you may hear physicians describe this type of mesothelioma as cancer of the pleura. A fairly generalized misunderstanding of pleural mesothelioma is that it a form of primary lung cancer and this is not the case. In actuality, pleural mesothelioma affects the serous membranes of the lungs and thus the cancer settles into these membranes, which line a number of organs located around the body’s midsection –including the lungs. The serous membranes of the lungs are most often affected and when this occurs, someone is said to have pleural mesothelioma.
When reading about pleural mesothelioma, you will find that another name or description of it is asbestos lung cancer. Again, this is technically inaccurate as pleural mesothelioma does not stem from the lungs but from the membrane surround the lung. Research indicates that 75% of mesothelioma cancers are cases of pleural mesothelioma.
The opportunity for pleural mesothelioma to develop is created by inhaling asbestos fibers which put down roots, so to speak, in the lining or pleura of the lungs. As the fibers stay embedded in the membrane, they begin to create a situation of chronic inflammation which, over time, leads to the development of cancer cells and tumors. In some situations this can also lead to asbestosis, which is a type of asbestos lung disease that originates in the lungs.
Typical symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include: chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, and weight loss.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the second most common mesothelioma cancer, affecting about 10% of mesothelioma victims. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a particular type of cancer that affects the abdominal lining. Because it is known to affect the lining of the abdomen, also known as the peritoneal, there are issues related to how well the abdomen is able to protect the organs in the region and how well it is lubricated which enables the organs to shift around and function correctly.
When the diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is final, a physician or team will recommend options for the patient. These options will be founded on variables like: the magnitude of the disease and its’ stage of advancement, the general health condition of the patient, the patient’s medical history, and age of the patient.
The most common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma cancer are abdominal pain, frailness or weakness, loss of weight, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, and bowel obstruction. There can be a variety of additional symptoms, depending on the location of the tumor. These other symptoms can include: breathing difficulties and extreme pain.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the pericardium – the lining of tissue around the heart. It is the rarest form of mesothelioma, making up less than ten percent of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma has been linked to asbestos exposure.
Many people believe that mesothelioma is a cancer that only affects the lungs. In fact, mesothelioma is cancer of the serous membranes, which line the three organ cavities in the center of the body. Their function is to secrete fluids to cushion and lubricate the organs within those cavities. The pleura encases the lungs in the chest cavity, and the lubrication provided by the pleural mesothelium also helps in breathing. The peritoneal cavity contains the stomach and other abdominal organs, and is lined by the peritoneum. The pericardial cavity contains the heart, and the serous membrane that protects and surrounds it is known as the pericardium.
No one is quite certain why pericardial mesothelioma is the most rare of the three known types, but some doctors have suggested that it has to do with the way that asbestos fibers work their way into the body. Since most asbestos fibers are inhaled, it is expected that the highest percentage of mesothelioma cases would involve the pleural cavities. Asbestos fibers may make their way into the stomach and abdominal lining when phlegm and mucous containing asbestos fibers is swallowed.
Since there is no direct pathway from outside the body to the pericardium, some doctors suggest that the tiny asbestos particles literally work their way from the lungs through the pleura to invade the pericardial mesothelium. Others theorize that the smaller asbestos fibers are carried out of the lungs by the blood, and become lodged in the heart lining as the blood is pumped through the heart. In any case, once the asbestos fibers become lodged in the serous tissue surrounding the heart, they irritate the body’s immune system and the chronic inflammation may cause the growth of cancerous tumors similar to those seen in pleural mesothelioma. The tumors may grow around the heart, constricting its movement and interfering with its functioning.
The most common symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include chest pain and irregular heartbeat. Less common are shortness of breath and coughing.
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For more information on different types of mesothelioma:
Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma Treatments