Mesothelioma is best known as a type of cancer that affects the lining around lungs. It is sometimes inaccurately referred to as asbestos lung cancer, because the most common type of mesothelioma attacks the lining of the lungs. However, mesothelioma can develop in the protective lining of an organ in the body, and from there it can spread. If you have developed mesothelioma, please talk to the California mesothelioma attorneys of Brayton Purcell, LLP, to learn more.
Following is a list of the different types of mesothelioma:
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. It develops in the lining of the lungs of people who have inhaled asbestos fibers. It is not the same as lung cancer, and the medical treatments are not the same for the two types of cancer.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the membrane which lines the abdominal cavity and surrounds the abdominal organs. This type of mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers have been ingested.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
The pericardium is the protective sac around the heart. It is believed that the asbestos fibers work their way into the bloodstream from the lungs, and travel to the pericardium. Pericardial mesothelioma is very rare an often misdiagnosed, because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
Testicular Mesothelioma
Testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis which is the membrane surrounding the testicles. It is the least common type of malignant mesothelioma.
