Mesothelioma Lawyer

Types of Mesothelioma

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma typically affects the thin membrane that protects your lungs, heart, or abdominal cavity. In the United States, around 3,000 cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed annually, and the majority are traced to occupational asbestos exposure.

There are four main types of mesothelioma:

  • Pleural mesothelioma (75% of cases) – Develops in the pleura (the lining of the lungs). The most common symptoms are difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, persistent chest pain, dry cough, fatigue, and fever.
  • Peritoneal mesothelioma (10–20% of cases) – Develops in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen). The most common symptoms are abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, and weight loss.
  • Pericardial mesothelioma (1% of cases) – Develops on the pericardium (the exterior lining of the heart). This is a rare type of mesothelioma. The most common symptoms are irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing, fever, and fatigue.
  • Testicular mesothelioma (less than 1% of all cases) – Develops on the lining of the testes. Because of how rare this form of the disease is, researchers have had a hard time developing a complete list of symptoms. The two main indicators are believed to be swelling of the scrotum and testicular lumps.

If you or one of your loved ones has mesothelioma, and you believe it has occurred due to asbestos exposure, make sure you receive the help and compensation you deserve. Please contact The Law Office of Brown | Kiely, LLP today (410) 625-9330 to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our experienced Baltimore mesothelioma lawyers. We serve patients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.