What Is Mesothelioma? Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that forms in the mesothelium, the thin protective lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. In nearly all cases, the disease is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. When asbestos is disturbed, microscopic fibers become airborne. If inhaled or swallowed, these fibers can lodge in the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or other organs. Over many years, sometimes decades, the irritation and inflammation caused by those fibers can lead to cellular changes and eventually cancer.

Because the disease develops slowly, most people are not diagnosed until 20 to 50 years after their first exposure. This long latency period means that many Missouri residents who worked around asbestos in the mid-to-late 20th century are only now learning they have the disease.

How Asbestos Exposure Happens

Asbestos was widely used in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and automotive work for much of the 20th century. In Missouri, common sources of exposure include older homes and commercial buildings, industrial sites along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, power plants, railroads, and manufacturing facilities. People who worked in these settings, as well as family members who came into contact with asbestos-contaminated work clothing, may have been exposed without knowing it at the time.

Today, asbestos is heavily regulated, but it is not fully banned in the United States. Older buildings throughout Missouri may still contain asbestos in insulation, floor tiles, roofing materials, pipe wrap, and other products. Disturbing these materials during renovation or demolition can release fibers into the air.

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is classified by where in the body the tumors develop. The type of mesothelioma a person has affects their symptoms, treatment options, and outlook.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, accounting for roughly 75 to 80 percent of all cases. It develops in the pleura, the lining around the lungs. Symptoms often include chest pain, persistent cough, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and fluid buildup around the lungs, a condition called pleural effusion. Because these symptoms resemble those of more common respiratory conditions, the disease is frequently misdiagnosed in its early stages.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. It is the second most common type, making up about 15 to 20 percent of cases. This form is typically linked to swallowing asbestos fibers, which then travel to the abdomen. Symptoms may include abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, changes in bowel habits, and a noticeable mass or fluid buildup in the abdomen.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is very rare, affecting the pericardium, the sac that surrounds the heart. It is believed to occur when asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Symptoms can include chest pain, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and fluid around the heart. Because it is so uncommon, it is often difficult to diagnose and treat.

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest form of the disease, developing in the tunica vaginalis, the lining around the testicles. Very few cases have been reported in medical literature. It typically appears as a painless mass or swelling in the scrotum and is usually discovered during surgery for a suspected hernia or other condition.

Diagnosis and Next Steps

Diagnosing mesothelioma requires imaging scans, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, followed by a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. A pathologist will also determine the cell type, which can be epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common and generally responds best to treatment, while sarcomatoid mesothelioma is more aggressive and harder to treat.

For Missouri residents who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, treatment typically involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Clinical trials may also be available at regional cancer centers. Anyone who suspects they were exposed to asbestos and is experiencing related symptoms should speak with a doctor promptly and mention their history of possible exposure.

This page is for general informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Consult a licensed attorney or physician about your specific situation.