About Mesothelioma
with offices in Maryland - Pennsylvania - Delaware - Tennessee
Types of Mesothelioma
Malignant Mesothelioma
Tumors of the mesothelium can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A malignant tumor of the mesothelium is called a malignant mesothelioma. Because most mesothelial tumors are cancerous, malignant mesothelioma is often simply called mesothelioma.
Three Main Types:
The three most common types of mesothelioma are:
• Pleural Mesothelioma
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma and
• Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleurae are the thin membranes that surround each lung and line the chest cavity. Pleural mesothelioma is cancer of this lining. The pleura has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the lung and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the chest wall. The two layers of the pleura are usually in contact and slide over each other as we breathe. The membranes produce fluid, which allows them to slide over each other easily. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, the membranes thicken and may press inwards on the lung. Fluid may also collect between the two layers of the pleura, producing pleural effusion, a build-up of liquid that makes breathing difficult and usually needs to be drained. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The mesothelium lining of the abdomen is referred to as the peritoneal mesothelium. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining around the abdomen, which is called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma causes thickening of the membranes surrounding the abdominal organs and a collection of fluid in the abdomen. The collection of fluid is called ascites and causes swelling of the abdomen.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
The mesothelium lining of the heart is referred to as the pericardial mesothelium. Individuals with pericardial mesothelioma have cancerous growths in tissues surrounding the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma is the most infrequent form of this cancer.
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If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos, or is suffering from mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases, we would like to help.
E-mail or call one of our mesothelioma lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
