HealthTree Blog

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that results from asbestos exposure and is usually classified according to the area of the body it affects.

Seventy percent of mesothelioma cases are found in the lining (or membrane) of the lungs which is called Pleural Mesothelioma. Asbestos is inhaled which causes abnormal cell growth in the membrane, and the resulting fluid build-up compresses the lungs, making breathing difficult. A persistent cough also can develop. Chest pain and difficulty in swallowing can occur. Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma often mimic pneumonia, bronchitis, or upper respiratory illness and can cause a delay in diagnoses.

The second most common form of mesothelioma is Peritoneal Mesothelioma and causes cancer in the tissue that protects the intestines. The vague symptoms of this type can also lead to misdiagnoses. These symptoms include stomach pain, nausea and weight loss.

A far more uncommon form of mesothelioma that affects the lining around the heart is known as Pericardial Mesothelioma. Heart palpitations, shortness of breath and chest pain are some of the symptoms of this cancer. It is usually difficult to treat this type of disease due to the fact that it is advanced.

Non-cancerous tumors can also grow in the lining of an organ but do not contain abnormal cells and do not spread to other body parts. They often mimic malignant mesothelioma and are best treated by the removal of the tumor.

Epitheliod, Mixed/biphasic and Sarcomatoid are three types of mesothelioma that are classified by the cells causing the cancer and these can only be identified by microscopic examination. Epitheliod is the most common of the three cell types and responds best to treatment. Mixed/biphasic is the second most common and is comprised of both epitheloid and sarcomatoid. Sarcomatoid is the most severe and rarest of the three and treatment is often ineffective.