Mesothelioma Types

Mesothelioma cancer is a type of cancer that attack the serous membranes that surround the major organs in the midsection of the body. It can metastasis and attack different organs because the serous membranes surround the lungs, heart, abdomen and others. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma is that which affects the lung lining. Other types are pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the heart, and peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the abdomen.

Unlike what people might think, mesothelioma is not a type of primary lung cancer. That is, mesothelioma does not originate in the lungs, but as described above, it starts in the serous membranes or lining around the lungs (or other organs). However, mesothelioma can spread to the lungs and when this occurs, it is considered to be a secondary lung cancer. Mesothelioma is also commonly referred to as an asbestos lung cancer. Technically, it is not really right, since mesothelioma does not originate in the lungs. Asbestosis is a type of asbestos lung disease and different from mesothelioma, yet people often confused with it.

Mesothelioma Types:

• Pleural Mesothelioma
  This is the most common mesothelioma and counts 75% of all mesothelioma. The tumor develops on the lining of the lungs, and can grow fast and enlarge the pleural space, causing it to fill with fluid. This fluid makes the patient have a difficult time swallowing, breathing and cough often. This fluid may also make it press on the lung or attach itself to the chest wall and can cause breathlessness (also known as Pleural effusion).
  
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma
  Less common than pleural mesothelioma, but not less lethal, it count about 10% to 20% of all mesothelioma cases. It attack the serous membrane surrounding the abdomen (peritonium). The covering layer of the scrotum is actually an out-pouching of the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is due to the ingestion of fibrous materials, including asbestos. Learn more about peritoneal mesothelioma.
  
• Pericardial Mesothelioma
  The rarest type of mesothelioma, it only count less than 10% of all cases. This disease cases are related to the lining of the heart. Just like plural mesothelioma, the fast growth of the tumor can cause expansion of the tissue and accumulation of fluid. The fluid can interfere with the functioning of the heart and cause chest pain. Most mesothelioma cases are known to be caused by exposure to asbestos, however, it is completely unknown how the asbestos fibers enter the tissue layers surrounding the heart. 

Main article: Mesothelioma