What Is Mesothelioma ? And Types of Mesothelioma

WHAT IS MESOTHELIOMA CANCER?

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, incurable, asbestos-related cancer. Asbestos is unsafe in any amount, but mesothelioma typically develops after prolonged long-term exposure to large amounts of the carcinogen.

Most diagnosed cases are pleural mesothelioma, which forms on the lining of the lungs. But mesothelioma tumors can also form on the linings of the abdomen, heart and testes.

TYPES OF MESOTHELIOMA

The four types of mesothelioma are defined by where tumors develop in the body. The most common types are pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Pericardial and testicular mesothelioma account for less than 2% of cases combined.

Tumors form in the mesothelium, which is the thin protective lining that covers the lungs, abdomen, heart and testes. The mesothelium goes by different names depending on the parts of the body it covers. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest wall, the peritoneum covers the abdominal cavity and organs, the pericardium covers the heart, and the tunica vaginalis lines the testes.

Prognosis, symptoms and treatment options vary by mesothelioma type.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma accounts for 75% of cases. It forms on the soft tissue covering the lungs. Multimodal therapy combining two or more therapies remains the best treatment approach.

Learn About Pleural

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for less than 20% of cases. It develops on the lining surrounding the abdomen. This type responds best to a combination of surgery and heated chemotherapy.

Learn About Peritoneal

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma accounts for 1% of cases. It forms on the soft tissue around the heart. A multimodal approach of surgery and chemotherapy offers the best chance of survival.

Learn About Pericardial

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma accounts for less than 1% of cases. It develops on the tunica vaginalis, which is the lining of the testes. This type responds best to surgery followed by chemotherapy.

Learn About Testicular