The lungs are the organs most commonly affected by mesothelioma and other types of asbestos-related cancers. In addition, though, other organs are affected by mesothelioma, as well. These types of mesothelioma are much rarer.
According to Cedars-Sinai, malignant mesothelioma occurs in four areas of the body:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma: A form affecting the pleura, tissue that lines the lungs and chest cavity.
- Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: A form affecting the lining of the abdomen.
- Malignant pericardial mesothelioma: A form affecting the tissues around the heart.
- Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis: A form affecting the tissues inside the testicles.
Pleural Mesothelioma Dominates Malignant Mesothelioma Cases
Mesothelioma is rare. It almost always results from asbestos exposure, often in large amounts over decades. This type of cancer, no matter where in the body it occurs, affects mesothelial cells. These cells make up the lining of internal organs.
According to The Ochsner Journal, the most common location for mesothelioma is in the pleura, the name for the mesothelial cells that line the chest cavities and lungs.
While this type of cancer is most likely the result of inhaling asbestos, it may take decades—up to 40 years—to become malignant and even longer to become symptomatic.
According to the Mayo Clinic, some symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Chronic cough
Once symptoms appear, the cancer is often already advanced. It is typically aggressive and may cause serious or even terminal complications before or within months of diagnosis. It generally spreads quickly within the chest cavity and does not affect organs outside of those nearby, though it can, according to Chest. Complications may lead to death before it can spread outside the chest cavity.
Mesothelioma May Also Affect Other Areas of the Body
In addition to the lungs, other organs are affected by mesothelioma, as well; however, these types of mesothelioma are much rarer. Peritoneal mesothelioma that affects the tissue lining the abdominal cavity represents fewer cases of the asbestos-related cancer.
According to the Annals of Translational Medicine, symptoms of mesothelioma in the abdomen may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Nausea and upset stomach
- Unexplained weight loss
Other forms of mesothelioma may come with unknown symptoms, and diagnosis may be difficult. This includes malignant mesothelioma that affects the pericardium around the heart and the lining of the testicles.
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You May Have a Civil Claim for Compensation Based on Your Mesothelioma Diagnosis
If you have a documented exposure to asbestos and later received a mesothelioma diagnosis, you may have a viable case for financial recovery. Some people who worked with asbestos or asbestos-containing materials later develop mesothelioma, lung cancer, or other asbestos-related cancers.
This type of occupational exposure could support a settlement or award based on evidence an asbestos cancer attorney may be able to gather to prove your exposure, diagnosis, and related losses. Your family should not have to handle medical bills and other expenses related to your treatment, support, and care, or funeral and burial. The asbestos companies benefited from your exposure despite the fact they likely knew the risks you were facing.
Settlements or awards in these cases may include:
- Medical treatment and related expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Other costs related to your treatment or diagnosis
- Wrongful death expenses
It is the asbestos companies who should pay for your treatment and final expenses if you pass away, not you and your family. A Pintas & Mullins Law Firm asbestos cancer attorney who is familiar with mesothelioma cases can review your case for free and may be able to seek an award on your behalf through an asbestos trust fund.
Discuss Your Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Asbestos Exposure with Us
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you seek financial recovery based on your occupational asbestos exposure and mesothelioma diagnosis, no matter the organs affected. We never shy away from tough cases.
You will not need to pay us anything out of pocket, and your family will never owe anything upfront for our representation. Our firm only gets our fee if we secure a recovery for you. We take our fee directly from your settlement or award, never before.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 307-3113 for a free consultation.
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