Malignant mesothelioma is a cancer of the thin membrane of tissue that lines the chest cavity (pleural), the abdominal cavity (peritoneal), or cavity encasing the heart (pericardial). All three types of malignant mesotheliomas are associated with asbestos exposure.
Characteristics
A newly diagnosed case of mesothelioma will fall into one of these three categories:
- Pleural: This variety affects the pleura, or the section of the mesothelium that lies over the lungs. It is the most common form of mesothelioma, and usually the most treatable. Its early symptoms often resemble pneumonia or other lung diseases: frequent coughing and shortness of breath.
- Peritoneal: This term refers to cancerous cells in the peritoneum, a protective lining of the abdomen that covers several important organs. It is the second most common form of mesothelioma. It symptoms can include abdominal pain and swelling, sudden and severe weight loss, and a persistent fever.
- Pericardial: This third form of mesothelioma attacks the pericardium, a protective covering over the heart. Unfortunately, it is also the most difficult to treat, due to the difficulty of treating the disease without damaging the heart. Its initial symptoms may include chest pains, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath.
As you can see, the early stages of mesothelioma often resemble other, less dangerous conditions. In addition to the slow onset of symptoms, this can make it very difficult for patients to receive the correct diagnosis in time. An additional danger is that cancer often metastasizes, which means the cancerous cells spread to other parts of the body, potentially causing multiple organ failure over time.
CONTACT US
Most cases of mesothelioma could have been prevented by avoiding exposure to asbestos. If a negligent party has caused you or a loved one to be exposed to this hazardous mineral, an attorney from the Gregg J. Borri Law Offices can help. Contact us at 212-980-8866.