The Three Types of Mesothelioma
There are three forms of mesothelioma. All forms are the result of exposure to asbestos. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form. It affects the lungs, the protective lining and cavity of the lungs. The patient may experience shortness of breath, chest pains, and a persistent cough. All these symptoms are caused by pleural effusion; this is a fluid build up in between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rarer form that starts in the abdomen and can spread to other areas of the body. The patient’s symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting swelling and loss of appetite.
Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of this disease. It starts in the cavity surrounding the heart and the tumors can spread to other areas of the body. Patients with this form of mesothelioma may experience, chest pain, shortness of breath and palpitations.