The Maune Raichle Law Firm

Mesotheliomas

There are 3 basic types of mesotheliomas, related to the 3 types of mesothelia, the pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial. The mesothelia are layers of tissue which make up the walls of the peritoneal, pericardial, and pleural body cavities. These mesothelia secrete the fluid which allows for the movement of organs in relation to each other. All 3 types of mesothelioma have been shown to be caused by asbestos exposure, however, all three types of mesotheliomas have also been shown to develop without asbestos exposure. Mesotheliomas most commonly present themselves as tumors between the layers of mesothelium.

Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common, making up approximately 70% of all mesotheliomas. Early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma usually include painful breathing, labored breathing, shortness of breath, a pleural effusion, and low dissolution of oxygen. Because of its proximity to the lungs, pleural mesothelioma has long been confused with lung cancer, especially as it often spreads to the lungs in the later stages of mesothelioma.

Most rare of all the mesotheliomas is pericardial mesothelioma, accounting for about 5% of all mesotheliomas. Pericardial mesothelioma's most common symptoms are a dull pain in the chest, coughing, night sweats, and general malaise.

Peritoneal mesothelioma makes up the remaining 25-30% of all cases. Its common symptoms include protrusion of the abdomen, pain in the abdomen, irregular digestion, night sweats, and uncontrolled weight loss. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the type of mesothelioma most commonly associated with little or no asbestos exposure, even though the majority of peritoneal cases are caused my asbestos exposure.