Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can be heart-wrenching. Basically, this is a type of cancer that attacks the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissues that cover the body’s internal organs. If you were exposed to asbestos due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for a toxic tort lawsuit known as mesothelioma or asbestos lawsuit.
While filing your lawsuit, it is important that you understand the exact type of mesothelioma you are dealing with. Generally, mesothelioma forms differ depending on the cancer’s location as well as the variant of the tumor cell.
Here are the three main forms of mesothelioma:
Pleural mesothelioma
Accounting for three-quarters of all mesothelioma cases in the U.S, Pleural mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops within the pleura, the protective tissue that lines the lungs and the chest. Individuals at a higher risk of pleural mesothelioma include veterans, those who live near asbestos mines and natural deposits as well as those who work in asbestos processing facilities. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pains, breathing problems and persistent cough.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
Also known as abdominal mesothelioma, this is a rare, yet aggressive, form of cancer that attacks the protective lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma commonly affects the spleen, liver and stomach lining. Peritoneal mesothelioma is symptomized by abdominal pain and swelling, anorexia and intestinal obstruction.
Pericardial mesothelioma
This is an extremely rare form of mesothelioma that affects the pericardium (the lining of the heart). Thanks to its rarity, pericardial mesothelioma tends to be quite difficult to diagnose. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include chest pains due to the tightening and constriction of the heart muscles, breathing problems and fluid build-up within the chest cavity.
Mesothelioma is majorly caused by employer negligence. If another party’s negligence results in your illness, it is important that file a mesothelioma lawsuit so you can be compensated for your damages.