There are three types of mesothelioma cancer, pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects your lungs. In fact approximately 75% of all patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.
What is pleural mesothelioma?
Pleural mesothelioma refers to a cancerous tumor which forms in the tissue which lines individuals' lungs. Common symptoms include chest pain, a shortness of breath and frequent coughing. Unfortunately whilst sufferers of plueral mesothelioma can undergo a wide array of treatments, in order to control their symptoms, such as chest pain, pleural mesothelioma is an incurable disease.
How do other types of mesothelioma affect your organs?
1. Pericardial mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely rare condition which affects the heart. In fact only 1-2% of mesothelioma suffers are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. Which develops in the lining of the heart.
Common symptoms include chest pain, arrhythmia, heart murmurs and pulse variance. In most cases it can only be diagnosed as a result of an autopsy.
The most common treatment option is to undergo surgery in order to remove the lining of the heart. Although some patients choose to undergo either radiation or chemotherapy. However, like pleural mesothelioma, there is no cure for pericardial mesothelioma.
2. Peritoneal mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdomen and can only be developed as a result of accidentally ingesting of asbestos fibers.
Common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include significant weight loss, severe loss of appetite, seizures, a build up of gas and seizures. As well as a build up of fluid in the abdomen.