What are the Different Types of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma originates in the mesothelium and is considered a very rare type of cancer. The mesothelium is the thin layer of cells that is responsible for protecting the internal organs of the body. The type of mesothelioma cancer is determined according to the location of the mesothelioma tumour. In fact the cancer is named according to the location of the tumour. Your family physician will refer you to a mesothelioma specialist or an oncologist in order to determine the type of cancer affecting you. The specialist will perform a more detailed evaluation for this purpose. There are many types of mesothelioma cancers which are named after the region of the body they affect. Pleural Mesothelioma (Lungs) This cancer affects the lining of your lungs that is known as the pleura. This is the most common type of mesothelioma that accounts for more than 80% of the new cases. This condition is quite difficult to diagnose since the symptoms are mild in its early stages. The symptoms will significantly worsen when it comes to stage 3 or 4. Since the condition is mostly diagnosed at a later stage most patients will live less than 17 months from the time of the appearance of the first symptoms. Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdomen) This type of mesothelioma originates in the lining of your abdomen. It will usually spread to the abdominal organs such as the spleen liver and bowels. Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of this condition. This discomfort is caused by fluid buildup or abdominal effusion. Even though the condition was not easily diagnosed in the past it has improved in recent years. This is due to the new methods such as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The survival rate may depend from patient to patient and vary according to specific diagnostic factors and the situation of the individual. Pericardial Mesothelioma (Heart) This condition accounts for only 1% of all cases of mesothelioma. In fact the pericardium is the living of the heart cavity. Its outer layer consists of mesothelial cells. This form of cancer is quite rare. When there is evidence of a pericardial tumour mesothelioma is the most common cause of it. The condition is diagnosed by obtaining a tissue biopsy via a thoracotomy. Testicular Mesothelioma This is another rare form of cancer. In fact only fewer than 100 cases have been diagnosed across the world up to now. Very little is understood how the condition develops since there is not enough data. Hence there is no standard course of treatment for this condition. Regardless of where mesothelioma cancer occurs in the body the common treatment options include chemotherapy surgery radiation or a combination of any of these methods. Since there is a long period of latency the doctor is unable to diagnose mesothelioma accurately and on a timely basis. That is why the condition is considered to be lethal. The post What are the Different Types of Mesothelioma? appeared first on iMesothelioma Law. via iMesothelioma Law https://www.imesotheliomalaw.com.au/what-are-the-different-types-of-mesothelioma/