How To Differentiate the Types of Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can affect the mesothelial cells of the outer membranes of some internal organs of the human body. The types of mesothelioma cancer can be classified according to the position of the tumor. When the tumor can be detected in the pleural, "the most outer membrane of lungs," it is called Pleural Mesothelioma. When the tumor can be detected in the peritoneum, "the lining of abdominal organs," it is called Peritoneal Mesothelioma. The last type of malignant mesothelioma cancer is when the tumor can be revealed in the pericardium, "the lining of the heart," called Pericardial Mesothelioma. Here are the descriptions of every type of mesothelioma cancer in more detail.

1. Pleural Mesothelioma. Pleural Mesothelioma is a type of cancer where the mesothelioma tumors develop in the pleura, the outer membrane that surrounds the wall of the lungs. The pleura includes two layers; the first layer is the parietal pleura. The parietal pleura is the outer layer of the pleura and attached to the wall of the chest. The second layer is the visceral pleura; it is the internal layer of the pleura and attached to the wall of the lungs. The space between the two layers is called the pleural cavity, where pleural fluid effusion can be observed as a symptom of pleural mesothelioma cancer. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may be fluid effusion, pleural thickening, pleural calcification, shortness of breath, cough and general weakness. Pleural mesothelioma can be treated by three options--the surgery option, the chemotherapy option and the radiation option. Doctors may make a combination of all three options to get an effective treatment strategy. The cause of pleural mesothelioma is often the inhalation of asbestos.
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a type of cancer where the mesothelioma tumors develop in the peritoneum, the most outer membrane of the internal organs of the abdomen. This type can be diagnosed and treated in the same way as pleural mesothelioma. It also results from exposure to asbestos.
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma. The least common type of mesothelioma cancer is Pericardial Mesothelioma. There are far fewer cases of Pericardial Mesothelioma recorded, compared to the other forms of mesothelioma. Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma may be general weakness, cough, chest pain and other heart-related signs. The diagnosis and treatment of this type is similar to the diagnosis and treatment of the other two types.
4. Benign Mesothelioma. The non-malignant type of mesothelioma tumors pose the threat of becoming malignant after some time, so it is best to have benign tumors removed. The best treatment option for Benign Mesothelioma is to have the tumors removed surgically.