ASBESTOS. MESOTHELIOMA. OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE THROUGHOUT GEORGIA.

Mesothelioma comes in many forms

On Behalf of | Aug 17, 2022 | Mesothelioma |

After exposure to asbestos, people may develop mesothelioma. They could experience different forms of the disease.

There are three main kinds of mesothelioma that people might develop.

Peritoneal mesothelioma

According to WebMD, this form of cancer develops in the abdominal cavity. People usually have this kind of mesothelioma if they swallowed asbestos fibers while performing their jobs. Firefighters, for example, could ingest asbestos as they extinguish fires at older buildings. Roughly 15%-20% of patients experience this kind of cancer.

People usually experience symptoms in their abdomens. They could notice swelling or lumps around their belly, as well as feel pain. Some people might experience weight loss.

Pleural mesothelioma

This type develops in the lungs. People incur this kind of mesothelioma after they inhale asbestos. Once the fibers enter the lungs, they become stuck. Over time, they cause the lungs to scar and become inflamed. Around 75% of patients develop pleural mesothelioma.

Most patients experience shortness of breath and lumps in their chest. Additionally, they could notice chest pain, especially when they cough.

Pericardial mesothelioma

This kind of cancer impacts the tissue around the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma does not always show a direct correlation with asbestos exposure. Medical professionals are still determining how people develop this form and whether there is a connection to asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest kind, and only about 1% of patients develop it. Most people experience chest pain and heart palpitations. Some people could also have a cough or feel short of breath.

People should take action after receiving their diagnosis. If patients seek medical attention as soon as they notice their symptoms, there is a greater chance that treatments will be effective.