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Mesothelioma Cancer - Pleural and Peritoneal Mesothelioma

All three forms of malignant mesothelioma cancer seem to be related to asbestos exposure. Pericardial mesothelioma is the most rare form of the cancer and affects the mesothelium surrounding the heart. Peritoneal and pleural mesotheliomas have both been proven to be caused by asbestos, while pericardial mesothelioma cancer has a strong correlation with asbestos exposure.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium surrounding the chest and lungs caused by asbestos exposure. Most mesothelioma cases affect the pleura. More than four out of five cases of mesothelioma cancer are classified as pleural mesothelioma. This may be caused because more people are internally exposed to asbestos fibers by breathing them than by swallowing them. Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer is believed to be caused by asbestos fibers that are swallowed.

The pleura is composed of two layers of fibrous tissue. Between the two layers, a lubricating fluid is secreted that allows the lungs to expand and contract smoothly while keeping them positioned in the chest. This pleura is made up of the mesothelial cells that become irritated by asbestos fibers that make their way through the lungs. After a span of typically 25 to 50 years following asbestos exposure, malignant mesothelioma tumors begin to develop on the pleural mesothelium and they rapidly spread into the lungs, lymph nodes and surrounding organs.

Mesothelioma can quickly spread throughout the entire body. Mesothelioma cancer progression is measured in stages. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are caused by mesothelioma tumors pressing on surrounding organs and nerve tissue, as well as fluid secreted by the mesothelioma cancer tissue itself called effusions. This fluid may also be partially responsible for the rapid spread of mesothelioma to other parts of the body.

In many cases, the cause of pleural mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure. Since this link is so strong, corporations responsible for exposing pleural mesothelioma victims to asbestos can be held financially and legally responsible for pain and suffering, wrongful death, loss of wages and more. Contact experienced mesothelioma lawyer David A. Shaw if you have been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma, like the pleural form, is also linked to asbestos exposure. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the mesothelium of the abdomen. The peritoneum is a double-layered fibrous sheet of tissue that protects and lubricates the organs in the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for more than 10 percent of all mesothelioma cases.

While both forms of mesothelioma cancer are aggressive and typically spread rapidly, peritoneal mesothelioma is different than pleural mesothelioma that has metastasized, or spread, to the abdomen. Asbestos-related peritoneal mesothelioma is believed to be caused by tiny asbestos fibers that have been swallowed or have otherwise made their way into the peritoneum and begin to irritate mesothelial tissue. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma differ from those related to pleural mesothelioma, but prognosis for the disease is just as poor.

For more information about peritoneal mesothelioma and your rights to financial recovery, contact The Law Offices of David A. Shaw today.

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