Types of Mesothelioma
Those Exposed to Asbestos Can Develop Mesothelioma Affecting Various Parts of the Body
Mesothelioma is a fairly rare cancer, with about 3,000 cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year. It is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. However, mesothelioma may take up as much as 50 years to develop. If you’ve been diagnosed with this cancer, or think you might have it, you could be able to file for compensation to help cover your treatment and other related costs.
Victims across the U.S. have received millions in settlements. Our Texas-based team is ready to help you, no matter what state you’re in. Call us at (888) 495-1250 to learn more about your legal options if you have mesothelioma.
About Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is named after the part of the body it affects—the mesothelium, a membrane that surrounds most of our internal organs. Mesothelial cells that are damaged by asbestos can develop tumors, or mesotheliomas.
Not all mesotheliomas are cancerous. Those that are not are referred to as benign tumors. Malignant mesothelioma, on the other hand, are cancerous. If you have received such a diagnosis, we urge you to seek treatment as soon as you can. Additionally, if you have been exposed to asbestos, you should know the symptoms of mesothelioma to increase your chances of catching the disease early in its development.
Types of Mesothelioma
A tumor can form in various parts of the mesothelium. There are 4 types of mesothelioma named for the body parts they start in.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The most common type of mesothelioma affects the pleura, the membrane lining the chest cavity and lungs. More than 85% of cases are pleural mesothelioma. Often, pleural effusions co-occur with this cancer.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
A tumor in the membrane around the abdominal cavity is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. These are the second-most common type o the disease, though they only account for around 10% of mesothelioma cases. This type of mesothelioma may impact the digestive system’s ability to function in various ways.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
In some rare instances, the ‘heart sac,’ or pericardium, may develop mesothelioma. The presence of a tumor here may affect heart function and blood pressure.
Mesotheliomas of the Tunica Vaginalis (Testicles)
Another rare for of mesothelioma starts in the membrane that covers the testicles. This type of cancer may have very few symptoms beyond pain, and thus can be hard to diagnose.
Other Ways to Categorize Mesotheliomas
The of the cancerous cells can also be important to your prognosis and treatment plan. There are 3 classifications of malignant mesotheliomas, no matter where they occur in the body:
- Epithelioid mesotheliomas are the most common, and also have the best prognosis.
- Sarcomatoid, or fibrous, mesotheliomas account for between 10-20% of cases. They are much more aggressive and can be harder to treat.
- Biphasic tumors contain both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. These tumors make up between 20-30% of mesotheliomas. The more the balance of cells tilts toward epithelioid, the more responsive the cancer is likely to be to treatment.
A biopsy of the cancerous tissue is necessary to determine the types of cells it contains.
Causes of Mesothelioma
The most common cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals widely used in various industries due to their heat-resistant properties. Here are the primary causes and risk factors:
- Asbestos Exposure: Most mesothelioma cases are linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can become airborne and, when inhaled or ingested, can cause inflammation and damage to the mesothelial cells, eventually leading to cancer. Occupations with high asbestos exposure risk include construction workers, shipyard workers, automotive mechanics, and those involved in asbestos mining or milling.
- Secondary Asbestos Exposure: Individuals who live with or are in close contact with people who work in environments where asbestos is present can also be at risk. Asbestos fibers can be carried home on clothing or skin, potentially affecting family members.
- Environmental Exposure: In some cases, people may be exposed to asbestos through environmental sources. This can occur in areas with natural asbestos deposits or from industrial facilities that have released asbestos fibers into the air.
- Genetic Factors: While asbestos exposure is the primary cause, some individuals may have a genetic predisposition that increases their risk of developing mesothelioma when exposed to asbestos.
- Other Factors: There are rare instances where mesothelioma may be associated with other environmental exposures or conditions, but these cases are less well-documented compared to asbestos-related mesothelioma.
Due to the long latency period of mesothelioma (often 20-50 years after exposure), symptoms may not appear until decades after the initial contact with asbestos. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing the disease.
Mesothelioma Treatment
Because mesothelioma is so rare, we recommend you find a third-party professional to treat you. Though there is no cure for mesothelioma, treatment can give you more time and help alleviate some of the symptoms. Various therapies can be used depending on how advanced your cancer is and other personal health factors. You may be advised to try:
- Surgery to remove the affected mesothelium
- Procedures like thoracentesis and paracentesis to drain accumulated fluid
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
For some patients, it makes sense to combine multiple modes of treatment, while others are better off focusing their efforts on one therapy. Your doctor can walk you through your choices and help you decide what is best for you.
We Can Help Mesothelioma Patients File for Compensation
Aside from the emotional toll of a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may face physical discomfort, high medical bills, and other costly life changes if you develop this cancer. No matter what type of mesothelioma you have, you deserve support. Our team at Robins Cloud LLP has been helping mesothelioma patients file for compensation for more than two decades.
We understand how difficult the period after a diagnosis is, but we urge you to reach out to a lawyer sooner rather than later. We don’t just help you file for compensation. We can also provide advice and other legal support you may find you need during this time. If you’re worried about how you can access or afford treatment, our attorneys know how to help you there as well. We are here to answer any questions you have in a free consultation.
Our team cares about every person who comes to us after learning they have developed an asbestos-related disease. We are here to help people like you recover compensation for the unexpected expenses that come with a mesothelioma diagnosis. If you’re not sure what your next steps should be, we invite you to reach out to our team.
Contact Robins Cloud LLP at (888) 495-1250 or send us a message to schedule your free consultation. Our caring team wants to work with you—so if you can’t come to our Texas office, we’re happy to come to you, anywhere in the U.S.
