Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a relatively rare but deadly form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a membrane that covers many of the internal organs of the body. The fatal disease of malignant mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. The lungs, heart, the lining of the chest, and the abdomen may be affected. The mesothelium is composed of mesothelial cells. When these cells become cancerous, malignant mesothelioma develops.
There are several types of malignant mesothelioma, including the following:
- Pleural mesothelioma: Affects the chest wall lining and the lungs
- Peritoneal mesothelioma (or abdominal mesothelioma): Affects the abdomen
- Pericardial mesothelioma: Affects the sac or lining surrounding the heart
- Tunica vaginalis mesothelioma (or testicular mesothelioma): Affects a layer of tissue surrounding the testis in males
The most common form of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, is responsible for up to 75 percent of all cases of the disease.
Latency period is very long
Mesothelioma festers and grows inside the body and does not manifest itself for years following the exposure to asbestos. Cases can commonly be diagnosed 35, 40 or even 50 years after exposure to asbestos. This long latency period makes it not only difficult to diagnose, but difficult to treat because often the disease has spread too far to be treated effectively once it is detected.
A mesothelioma attorney at Environmental Litigation Group can help
Do you have questions about mesothelioma? Our Alabama asbestos lawyers have helped victims of asbestos exposure nationwide. Whether you are suffering from pleural mesothelioma in New York, or need advice about malignant mesothelioma in California, contact a skilled mesothelioma attorney at Environmental Litigation Group (ELG) to discuss your situation. Call 1-888-899-9713 today. Our firm provides useful information to clients about all types of cancer, including the following:
- Types of mesothelioma in New York
- Types of mesothelioma in Alabama
- Types of mesothelioma in Georgia
- Types of mesothelioma in California
- Types of mesothelioma in Tennessee
- Types of mesothelioma in Washington, D.C.
- Types of mesothelioma in Mississippi
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Mesothelioma Facts
- Mesothelioma is considered to be exclusively related to asbestos exposure.
- Mesothelioma does not manifest itself for 30 to 40 years.
- By the time it is diagnosed, it is almost always fatal.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for about 20 percent of mesothelioma cases.
