The Four Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelium, which is the lining around the body's internal organs. It is commonly associated with prolonged exposure to asbestos and frequently develops in individuals who worked with or in close proximity to asbestos over their careers. This group includes millions of Americans simply due to the vast prevalence of asbestos in building materials, industrial equipment, and consumer goods throughout the bulk of the 20th century. Until its use was significantly reduced in the 1980s, asbestos was virtually inescapable. The mesothelium covers various organs and organ systems. Thus, mesothelioma can develop in many areas of the body. It is not uncommon for mesothelioma to spread from one area of the body to another as it progresses. Mesothelioma can place a significant financial burden on a victim, which he or she may be able to cover with compensation from an injury claim. If you were exposed to asbestos in your workplace and are now suffering from mesothelioma, speak with an experienced workplace injury lawyer about potentially seeking compensation for your damages.

Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleura, which is the lining around the lungs. It is the most commonly diagnosed type of mesothelioma in the United States because most individuals who develop mesothelioma had asbestos enter their bodies through inhalation, bringing the particles straight to their lungs. Pleural mesothelioma can be treatable, especially when it is detected at an early stage. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are all methods used to treat pleural mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity. This can develop as mesothelioma spreads from its initial point to other areas of the body. This type of mesothelioma accounts for approximately 20 percent of the mesothelioma cases diagnosed in the United States.

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the pericardium, which is the lining around the heart. It is much less common than pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma and treatment can be difficult because of its proximity to the heart. When doctors elect to treat it surgically, it requires a pericardiectomy, which is the removal of the portion of the pericardium that is affected by mesothelioma. Approximately one percent of mesothelioma cases begin as pericardial mesothelioma.

The rarest type of mesothelioma diagnosed in the United States, testicular mesothelioma, affects the lining around the testicles. This type of mesothelioma can be very difficult to detect, and is often only found while performing other procedures on the testes. The area of the mesothelium where testicular mesothelioma develops is known as the tunica vaginalis.

If you are suffering from mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos in your workplace, you may be entitled to compensation for your expenses. To learn more, work with a San Jose workplace accident lawyer. Our team at Corsiglia, McMahon, & Allard, L.L.P. proudly serves clients throughout the Bay Area, San Mateo County, Alameda County, San Benito County, Monterey County, and Santa Clara County.

• Mesothelioma: Causes and Symptoms