Mesothelioma Cancer Types: From Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the lining of certain organs, most commonly the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). Less common types include pericardial mesothelioma, affecting the heart’s lining, and testicular mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the testes.
The primary cause of mesothelioma cancer is exposure to asbestos fibers, which can be inhaled or ingested. Asbestos exposure often occurs in workplaces such as construction sites, shipyards, and factories, where asbestos-containing materials are prevalent. Over time, microscopic asbestos fibers accumulate in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or other organs, leading to inflammation, scarring, and eventually, the development of cancerous tumors.
Despite advancements in treatment options, mesothelioma remains difficult to diagnose and treat, with a poor prognosis for many patients. Early detection is crucial for improving outcomes, but symptoms often do not appear until the disease has progressed to advanced stages. Therefore, raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure and implementing preventive measures are essential in combating mesothelioma cancer.
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Quick Facts About Mesothelioma Cancer Types:
- More than 15,000 Americans are diagnosed with Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers each year.
- Malignant Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the abdomen, lining of lungs, heart, and major organs of the body.
- Malignant Mesothelioma symptoms may not appear for 10-50 years after first asbestos exposure.
This chart provides a clear overview of the types of mesothelioma and includes additional relevant information about the disease.
| Type of Mesothelioma | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pleural Mesothelioma | Lungs | Affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). Most common form, accounting for about 75% of cases. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and persistent cough. |
| Peritoneal Mesothelioma | Abdomen | Affects the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). Second most common form. Symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling, and changes in bowel habits. |
| Pericardial Mesothelioma | Heart | Affects the lining around the heart (pericardium). Rare form, accounting for about 1% of cases. Symptoms include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. |
More Mesothelioma Cancer Types
Adenomatoid Mesothelioma: A rare subtype characterized by glandular structures resembling adenomatoid tumors, often benign in nature.
Benign Multicystic Mesothelioma: A non-cancerous form of mesothelioma characterized by multiple cysts within the mesothelial lining.
Desmoplastic Mesothelioma: A subtype characterized by dense fibrous tissue formation, making diagnosis and treatment challenging.
Epithelioid Mesothelioma: The most common subtype, characterized by epithelial cell morphology and usually associated with better prognosis compared to other subtypes.
Heterologous Mesothelioma: A subtype containing tissues not normally found in the area of origin, posing diagnostic and treatment challenges.
Large Cell Lung Cancer: Subtype of non-small cell lung cancer characterized by large, abnormal-looking cells. Often aggressive and challenging to treat, requiring a multidisciplinary approach including surgery, chemotherapy, and/or targeted therapy based on tumor characteristics and stage.
Localized Mesothelioma: Cancer confined to a specific area, presenting a more favorable prognosis compared to advanced stages. Treatment typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy, depending on disease extent and patient factors.
Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma: Rare variant characterized by lymphocyte-like cells, posing diagnostic challenges. Accurate diagnosis requires specialized testing and expertise. Treatment approaches may vary, with surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy being potential options depending on individual patient factors.
Malignant Mesothelioma: Aggressive cancer affecting organ linings, primarily associated with asbestos exposure. Poor prognosis in advanced stages underscores the importance of early detection and intervention. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or targeted therapy, tailored to individual patient needs.
Mesothelioma Tumors: Abnormal growths in the mesothelial lining, often malignant and requiring prompt medical attention. Diagnosis and treatment involve a multidisciplinary approach, aiming to control disease progression, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality of life.
Non-Small Cell Cancer: Type of lung cancer encompassing adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. Treatment strategies vary depending on the subtype, disease stage, and patient-specific factors, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.
Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: Less common but aggressive subtype characterized by spindle-shaped cells. Diagnosis and treatment pose challenges due to its aggressive nature and resistance to conventional therapies. Multimodal treatment approaches may be employed to manage disease progression and symptoms.
Small Cell Cancer: Highly aggressive type of lung cancer, often responding better to chemotherapy than surgery or radiation therapy. Prognosis is generally poor due to rapid tumor growth and early metastasis. Treatment typically involves chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Squamous Cell Cancer: Type of skin cancer that can affect various organs, typically slow-growing and treatable if detected early. Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, depending on disease stage and location.
Testicular Mesothelioma: Rare cancer affecting the lining of the testes, often presenting as a painless testicular mass. Diagnosis and treatment require specialized expertise due to its rarity and unique characteristics. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy, tailored to individual patient needs.
Tunica Vaginalis: Rare form of mesothelioma affecting the lining of the testes, often associated with asbestos exposure. Symptoms may include testicular swelling and pain. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy, depending on disease extent and patient factors.
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Median Survival Rate for Mesothelioma Patients by Stage
Stage 1 – 21 Months: Mesothelioma is localized, affecting the lining of one lung or the abdomen. Treatment options include surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy aimed at reducing cancer spread.
Stage 2 – 19 Months: Mesothelioma has spread beyond the original site to nearby organs or lymph nodes. Treatment may involve surgery to remove affected tissues, combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to target remaining cancer cells.
Stage 3 – 16 Months: Mesothelioma has spread extensively within the chest or abdomen, affecting multiple organs and lymph nodes. Treatment typically focuses on palliative care to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive measures.
Stage 4 – Under 12 Months: Mesothelioma has metastasized to distant organs and tissues, making it difficult to treat. Treatment aims to manage symptoms and improve comfort through palliative care, which may include pain management, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other supportive therapies. Prognosis at this stage is generally poor, and the focus shifts to maximizing the patient’s quality of life.
Mesothelioma Symptoms Include:
- Chest Pain
- Chronic Cough
- Difficulty Breathing
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Dyspnea
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Fluid Build-up in Lungs
- Heart Palpitations
- Heart Murmurs
- Irregular Heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Nausea
- Night Sweats
- Orthopnea (Dyspnea When Lying Down)
- Shortness of Breath
- Thickening of Pericardial Layers
Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma Cancer
Asbestos exposure poses a significant risk for developing mesothelioma cancer, primarily through the inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers. When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, tiny fibers are released into the air, where they can be easily inhaled into the lungs or ingested into the digestive system. Once inside the body, these microscopic fibers can embed themselves in the mesothelial lining of organs, initiating a cascade of events that can lead to cancer development.
The presence of asbestos fibers in the body triggers chronic inflammation and cellular damage, which can result in genetic mutations. These mutations disrupt the normal regulation of cell growth, causing cells to divide uncontrollably and form tumors characteristic of mesothelioma. These tumors typically arise in the mesothelial lining surrounding vital organs such as the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
Despite the lengthy latency period between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis, the disease can progress rapidly once symptoms manifest. As such, it is crucial for individuals with a history of asbestos exposure to undergo regular screenings and seek medical attention if symptoms arise. Additionally, raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos and implementing stringent safety measures are essential steps in preventing further cases of mesothelioma.
What is Mesothelioma Cancer?
Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart, and other major organs in the body. It is characterized by the presence of malignant cancer cells in the sac lining the chest (pleura) or the abdomen (peritoneum). In the United States, approximately 3,000 new cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed each year. If you are experiencing any symptoms of mesothelioma, it is important to contact a doctor immediately for evaluation and diagnosis.
Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, you likely have many questions about living with the disease and exploring legal options against asbestos manufacturers and companies responsible for your asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is a profoundly deadly disease. According to the American Cancer Society, the average survival time for people with mesothelioma is 4-18 months.
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Family Member Died from Mesothelioma?
If you have a family member who has died from Mesothelioma cancer, you should immediately consult with an experienced Mesothelioma diagnosis lawyer about what compensation may be available to you from asbestos trust funds that total more than $30 billion.
We have seen many families lose their right to file a lawsuit because their Statute of Limitations had expired while they were grieving. We know it is a tough time to grieve the loss of a loved one, but please do not let your Statute of Limitations expire for filing your Mesothelioma lawsuit. In most states, the Statute of Limitations is 1-3 years.
It is VERY IMPORTANT that you file your Mesothelioma claim within your state’s Statute of Limitations.
Taking Legal Action
When confronted with the devastating impact of a mesothelioma diagnosis resulting from asbestos exposure, pursuing legal action becomes a crucial step towards securing the compensation you rightly deserve. Our team is here to assist you in initiating a mesothelioma lawsuit with an experienced mesothelioma attorney, ensuring the protection of your rights and the delivery of justice. Discover today which Asbestos Trust Funds you may be eligible for to receive compensation.
Schedule a FREE Case Consultation
Scheduling a free case consultation is your first step toward seeking justice in mesothelioma cancer lawsuits. We are ready to assess your unique situation and provide the guidance you will need during this challenging time. Take this essential step toward pursuing fair compensation for your mesothelioma-related injuries.
Get Help from an Experienced Mesothelioma Attorney
When dealing with the complexities of mesothelioma cancer lawsuits, getting help from an experienced injury attorney is crucial. For more than 24 years, we have assisted workers, veterans, and families in obtaining the compensation they deserved from negligent asbestos companies. Contact us at 888.640.0914 to secure the support you will need throughout your pursuit of fair and just compensation.
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Mesothelioma Cancer Types: From Asbestos Exposure