TYPES OR FORMS OF MESOTHELIOMA CANCER

The type of mesothelioma is determined on the basis where the cancer occurs in the body. Mesothelioma may affect any part or organ of the body depending on the level of exposure to asbestos and the time level over which the patient has been exposed to.
The major types of mesthelioma cancer includes the following;

* Pleural Mesothelioma

*Peritoneal Mesothelioma

* Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, also known as mesothelioma of the pleura is a tumour in which the lining of the lungs, or lung pleura, gets affected by malignant cells. It is one of the most commonly occurring cancers. The pleura is a thin tissue around the lungs and the inside of the chest.
It helps the lungs in breathing (respiration) by producing a serous fluid that lubricates the pleural surfaces to avoid the teasing of the lungs against the chest wall. In order to protect the lungs, the pleura produces a small amount of fluid which helps cushion the lungs, making the lungs move more smoothly during breathing.

Types of pleural mesothelioma cancer

Diffused or Malignant (Cancerous) MESOTHELIOMA

Malignant Pleural mesothelioma is cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body. This rare form of cancer is found in the pleural sac lining of the lung. Exposure to asbestos is considered the primary cause of pleural mesothelioma.

Benign (Non-Cancerous) pleural mesothelioma

This is the non-cancerous form of pleural mesothelioma, which does not affect all parts of the body but the pleura. However, it constricts the lung causing shortness of breath, and in some severe cases, pneumothorax (lung failure)

Peritoneal mesothelioma

This is the next common type of mesothelioma which affects peritonium which is the lining of the abdominal cavity including the stomach. It is more aggressive than the mesothelioma of the pleura. Its symptoms include the following chest pain, anaemia, breathlessness, loss of appetite and other severe symptoms. It could either be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Their is a high probability of women being diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma than other types of mesothelioma.

Pericardial mesothelioma

This is the rarest and least but deadliest type of mesothelioma because it affects the heart and the cavity surrounding it. It is said to have an average lifespan of less than six months from diagnosis. Due to the rarity of this disease as many patients are ignorant of the presence of this disease in their body until diagnosis is made on their autopsies, it makes it difficult for doctors and researchers to understand the whole logic behind the nature of this disease.

Symptoms might include congestive heart failure, palpitation, night sweat, persistent cough, chest pain and breathing disorder. Pericardial mesothelioma can sometimes be palpatively treated through surgery and further treatment of radiation and chemotherapy.

Every year about 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are being diagnosed, and the figure might still be increasing. The major cause of mesothelioma has been linked to asbestos inhaling due to being exposed to it. So watch out next time you are out in mining area.