Different Types of Mesothelioma

Various Types of Mesothelioma

There are three different types of mesothelioma 1) Pleural mesotheloma 2) Peritoneal mesothelioma 3) Pericardial mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma. Pleural mesotheloma is the cancer of the lining of the lungs, we called it is as "pleura." Pleura help to protect the lungs, pleura is a fiber sheet. It allows the lungs to move smoothly when we breathe and the pleura produce a lubricating fluid. Some doctors misdiagnose pleural mesothelioma as lung cancer but lung cancer is differnt from pleural mesotheloma. Lung cancer originates from the lung itself. Moreover, we knows lung cancer is a malignant tumor, it is not associated with pleural mesothelioma, but still some doctors make misdiagnose as it as a pleural mesothelioma.

Periotoneal mesothelioma
It is a form of cancer. Peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the membranes surrounding the abdominal cavity. Periotoneal mesothelioma is not common as pleural mesothelioma. When the peritoneal membrane thickenes, the symptoms slowly starting and it causes peritoneal mesothelioma.

Pericardial mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is the least common form of malignant mesothelioma. It is a cancer that surrounds the heart, called the pericardium.

Mesothelioma with asbestos exposure

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is always caused by previous exposure to asbestos. This cancer involves the mesothelium, cells, lungs, abdominal organs, and heart. The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. In this disease, malignant cells develop in the mesothelium (a protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs). Its most common site is the pleura, but it may also occur in the peritoneum or the pericardium. Exposure to airborne asbestos particles increases one's risk of developing malignant mesothelioma.

A brief description about mesothelioma

• Mesothelioma is usually caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral known to be carcinogenic. People who are exposed to asbestos fibers for just a short period of time (few weeks) or even to a small amount may be at risk. In particular, people working with asbestos and their family members or those who live with them are more likely to develop mesothelioma.
• The symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath due to pleural effusion, chest wall pain, and weight loss. The diagnosis can be made with chest x-rays and CT scan, and it can be confirmed with the help of biopsy and microscopic examination.
• Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking.