The National Cancer Institute (NCI) identifies 3 forms of mesothelioma, which is a rare form of cancer that has 2-3 thousand new cases diagnosed per year. Identify the 3 forms of mesothelioma, the most common organ system effected, and the reasons why it is such a challenging and difficult disease to diagnose.
The 3 forms of mesothelioma listed by the NCI are the following: pleural mesothelioma which is the most common, with 3/4 of all cases involving the chest cavity. The second form is peritoneal mesothelioma, which accounts for 10-20 percent of cases which start in the abdominal cavity. The third form is pericardial mesothelioma, which occurs around the lining of the heart, and is very rare. The disease is very difficult to diagnose as the symptoms are non-specific, and the latency period of the disease manifesting itself is on an average 35-40 years from the time of exposure until symptoms are manifested. Symptoms can include pain in the lower back, the side of the chest, shortness of breath with the pleural form. Abdominal symptoms include belly pain, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Pleural effusion (fluid collecting between the lining of the lung and chest cavity) represents one of the most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.