What are the Types of Mesothelioma - Health

Mesothelioma is the name given to the asbestos-caused cancer affecting the lining around the lungs and abdomen. There are three types of Mesothelioma, ranging from somewhat moderate to fatal. All three share similar symptoms and, in all three cases, it may take decades for the symptoms to show themselves following the initial long-term asbestos exposure.

Pleural Mesothelioma

This is the most common form of Mesothelioma and directly affects the protective lining (pleura) and cavity of the lungs. Mesothelioma occurs here when there is a build up of fluid between the lung lining and the chest cavity. Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma can include:

Difficulty breathing Difficulty swallowing Shortness of breath Persistent coughing Weight loss Fever Hoarseness or a raspy voice Coughing up blood

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

This is a more rare form of Mesothelioma affecting the stomach and abdominal area. Although the cancer can spread from the abdomen to other parts of the body, the initial tumors that press against the abdomen can cause any of the following symptoms:

Abdominal pain Abdominal swelling Nausea Loss of appetite Vomiting Breathing problems Chest pain Bowel obstruction Fever Blood clotting abnormalities

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial Mesothelioma is the rarest of the mesothelioma cancers. This cancer affects the heart and the area surrounding it known as the pericardium. Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma can include:

Chest pain Shortness of breath Trouble breathing Persistent cough Heart palpitations

If you look through the list of symptoms for all three of these types of mesothelioma, you will see that it can be difficult to determine which type you may have. These are known as non-specific symptoms. In fact, many of these same problems, such as shortness of breath and chest pain, are also symptoms of pneumonia. That is why it is vital that you inform your physician of any possible asbestos exposure during any visit for the above symptoms.

Early detection is always beneficial but it can take decades for any of these symptoms to appear. Smokers who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos greatly increase their risk of the disease being fatal.

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