What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancer found in the lining surrounding the lungs, the stomach, the heart or the testicles. This cancer is named from the name that is given to this lining, the mesothelium. There are roughly 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma in the United States every year.
The Primary Cause of Mesothelioma is Exposure to Asbestos. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos causes these microscopic fibers to get lodged in the lining of the chest or abdomen. Over time, the fibers cause tumor development because the body is incapable of expelling the fibers.
What is Life Expectancy with a Mesothelioma Diagnosis?
Diagnosing mesothelioma can be difficult as the typical latency period is 20 to 50 years from the time of asbestos exposure until symptoms appear or mesothelioma is diagnosed, and the symptoms are common with other illnesses. The average mesothelioma life expectancy ranges from 12 to 21 months, but many people may live much longer with the disease. Some patients have doubled or tripled their life expectancies by finding the right doctor for their diagnosis. Location, cell type, and stage of mesothelioma all contribute to determining treatment planning and life expectancy.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma by Type
Pleural Mesothelioma
The cancer starts in the lining around the lungs (called the “pleura”). This is the most common type of mesothelioma and accounts for approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year. Symptoms include:
- Recurrent fluid in the pleural cavity
- Breathing and swallowing difficulties
- Coughing
- Chest pain under the rib cage
- Fever
- Lumps of tissue under the skin of the chest
- Painful coughing or lower back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pneumonia
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The cancer starts in the thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity (called the "peritoneum"). This accounts for roughly 20% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year. Symptoms include:
- Recurrent fluid in the abdominal cavity
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Abdominal pain
- Bowel obstruction
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lumps of tissue in the abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
Pericardial Mesothelioma
The cancer occurs in the thin lining that protects the heart (called the "pericardium"). This type of mesothelioma is very uncommon and accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year. Symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Buildup of fluid around the heart
- Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing
- Palpitations
- Persistent coughing
Testicular Mesothelioma
The cancer starts in the tunica vaginalis - the serous membrane that surrounds the testes. It is considered highly aggressive and is known to metastasize quickly, but it also very uncommon. This type accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year. Symptoms include:
- Appearance of lump in the scrotum
- Swelling at the back of the testicles
- Scrotal discomfort and/or pain
A mesothelioma diagnosis is devastating. Our firm only handles mesothelioma cases and offers access to medical support, legal guidance, and compensation. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and would like to learn more, please complete the form below for a free consultation. Mesothelioma, It's ALL We Do.