How Much Do You Know About Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma, also referred to as malignant mesothelioma, is an extremely painful cancer. This cancer is usually found in the tissue that surrounds the lungs. However, it can also occur in the tissue surrounding the heart, testicles, and abdomen.

The mesothelium primarily comprises mesothelial cells, which aid in various important body processes. These processes may include tissue repair, inflammation, and fluid transport.

What Causes Mesothelioma?

As of now, there’s only one known cause of mesothelioma, which is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is usually found in factories, and for that reason, a lot of people from industrial occupations tend to develop this deadly cancer.

With that being said, individuals who have ever come into contact with asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma cancer. It doesn’t matter how often they had contact or were exposed to it.

Types of Mesothelioma

There are four types of mesothelioma. Different locations of an individual’s body are affected by different types of mesothelioma, and their symptoms also tend to vary. These four types of mesothelioma may include:

Pleural: Pleural mesothelioma is considered the most common type. It tends to develop in the lung lining.

Peritoneal: Peritoneal mesothelioma is not as common as pleural mesothelioma, but it also tends to affect many individuals. This cancer forms and develops in the abdominal lining.

Pericardial: Pericardial mesothelioma is relatively rare compared to the other two most common types of mesothelioma. It tends to form on the heart lining.

Testicular: Like the pericardial mesothelioma, testicular mesothelioma is also a rarer form of this cancer. As its name suggests, this type develops in the lining of the testes.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

As mentioned before, the symptoms may vary depending on the type of mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of mesothelioma, tends to impact the lungs’ surrounding tissue. For this particular type, the symptoms and signs may include:

• Shortness and difficulty in breathing
• Pain in chest
• Painful coughing
• Under the skin of the chest, the formation of a lump of tissue

The signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:

• Abdominal swelling
• Abdominal pain
• Unexpected weight loss
• Nausea

The other two types of mesothelioma are rare, and their symptoms are still not very clear. However, depending on the location of the body where they are formed, we can identify the symptoms and then take prompt actions in this regard.

Tissues surrounding the heart are affected by pericardial mesothelioma. Therefore, chest pain and difficulty breathing can be the symptoms of this type of mesothelioma.

Tissues that surround the testicles are affected by testicular mesothelioma. Therefore, mass or swelling on a testicle can indicate this type of mesothelioma cancer.

How Can Mesothelioma Be Diagnosed?

After you have felt the symptoms of mesothelioma, you’ll be required to get in touch with your doctor. They will then further carry out a physical exam, including:

• MRI
• Chest X-ray
• Biopsy
• CT scan
• PET Scan
• Thoracentesis

What to Do Once the Mesothelioma Is Diagnosed?

Once the mesothelioma is diagnosed, you’ll be required to discuss some of the options about the treatment with your doctor. Your doctor may suggest you have chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

All of these treatments may help you make your cancer less severe and prevent the spread of cancer wherever possible.

In addition, as these treatments may prove to be expensive, it’s recommended for you to get in touch with a professional mesothelioma lawyer. They may assist you in exploring several financial compensation options that may further help you in your treatment.