Malignant Mesothelioma

What is Malignant Mesothelioma?

Malignant Mesothelioma is rare cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the internal body organs [mesothelium].

The most common areas affected by Mesothelioma are the lining of the lungs and abdomen.

Malignant Mesothelioma is an extremely aggressive and deadly cancer that is incurable.

Malignant Mesothelioma is diagnosed in about 3,500 people each year in the U. S.

Three main types of Malignant Mesothelioma are; [1] Pleural Mesothelioma (lungs and chest wall), [2] Peritoneal Mesothelioma (abdomen), [3] Pericardial Mesothelioma (heart).

3 Main Malignant Mesothelioma Types

Pleural Mesothelioma Cancer

Pleural Mesothelioma, accounting for 75% of all Mesothelioma cases, is the most common type of Mesothelioma cancers with a survival rate between 6-18 months.

Pleural Mesothelioma forms in the pleura, the soft tissue that covers the lining of the lungs and chest wall. The standard treatments Pleural Mesothelioma include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the second most common type of malignant Mesothelioma cancer, which develops on the protective lining surrounding the abdominal cavity [peritoneum] and accounts for about 20% of all diagnosed fatal Mesothelioma cases.

The prognosis for patients diagnosed with Peritoneal Mesothelioma is generally poor. The survival rate of a patient diagnosed with Peritoneal Mesothelioma will depend on tumor grade, gender, age, cancer stage and type of treatment.

Twenty-five percent of Peritoneal Mesothelioma patients survive three years after diagnosis.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Cancer

Pericardial Mesothelioma is very rare cancer that forms in the lining around the heart [Pericardium] and accounts for about one percent of all known Mesotheliomas [less than 150 cases]

The prognosis for patients diagnosed with Pericardial Mesothelioma is generally reduced compared to that of Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma patients.

Pericardial Mesothelioma treatment options are chemotherapy, palliative treatments, and surgery.

Malignant Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma Symptoms Can Include:

Abdominal Pain & Swelling
Bowel Obstruction
Blood Clotting Chest
Pain Under Rib Cage
Chronic Cough (Can be Wet or Dry cough)

Difficulty Breathing
Difficulty Swallowing
Fluid in the Lungs
Lumps of Tissue in the Abdomen
Painful When Coughing
Shortness of Breath
Unexplained Weight Loss

Malignant Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed after a person goes to their doctor about symptoms they are having. Diagnosing Mesothelioma at an early stage is essential to have the best outcome possible with treatment.

Since Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, it is crucial for patients to be examined by a doctor who specializes in Mesothelioma cancer.

Common Mesothelioma misdiagnoses are bronchitis, pneumonia, and COPD in its early stages (1-2). If you have a history of asbestos exposure, you should see a doctor once a year to get tested.

Mesothelioma Diagnostic Methods

Blood Tests (Tumor Markers)

Chest X-Ray

CT Scan (Computed Tomography)

Echocardiogram

Endoscopic Biopsies

Imaging Tests

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Laparoscopy

Mediastinoscopy

Medical History and Physical Exam

MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Needle Biopsies

Open Surgical Biopsy

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)

Pleuroscopy

Pulmonary Function Tests

Removing Fluid for testing

Test of Tissue Samples

Tests of Fluid Samples

Thoracoscopy

Types of Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma [Lungs]

Peritoneal Mesothelioma [Abdomen

Pericardial Mesothelioma [Heart]

Abdominal Mesothelioma

Biphasic Mesothelioma

Epithelial malignant Mesothelioma

Chrysotile Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma Cystic Mesothelioma

Testicular Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Statute of Limitations

The Statutes of Limitations is the period a Mesothelioma victim has to file a lawsuit.

Statute of Limitations for Mesothelioma and asbestos exposure varies from state to state.

The Statute of Limitations begins when a person is either diagnosed or dies from Mesothelioma, not the date of their exposure.

An experienced Mesothelioma attorney can help you file a claim before your Statutes of Limitations expires.

Start a Mesothelioma Claim Today!

Contact a Mesothelioma lawyer today for a free, no obligation Mesothelioma case evaluation to find out if you have a viable claim.

No Legal Fees Unless You Win!

Our Mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means NO MONEY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES by the asbestos victims or their families. You will find the contingency fees to be among the lowest in the country.

Get a free Mesothelioma case evaluation from a qualified Mesothelioma attorney today by calling 800.291.0963.