Different types of mesothelioma identified by the area of the body affected include pleural,peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma. Other mesothelioma types identify the type of cell affected and are called epithelial, sarcomatoid and biphasic.
Mesothelioma Types by Body Area
Below is an explanation of each type of mesothelioma affecting different areas of the body and the associated symptoms:
Pleural Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma affecting the lungs is called pleural mesothelioma and the symptoms associated with this mesothelioma type are due to accumulation of fluid within the pleura, or the membrane surrounding the lungs.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma:
- shortness of breath
- pain under rib cage or chest
- mild to severe constant cough
- sudden weight loss
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is another mesothelioma type that affects the internal lining, or peritoneum of the intestine. Peritoneal mesothelioma has many symptoms similar to other diseases, so it is very difficult to diagnose mesothelioma of the peritoneum.
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
- abdominal swelling
- formation of tissue mass in the abdomen
- sudden weight loss
- nausea
- anemia
- mild or severe abdominal pain
- diarrhea or constipation
- constant fever (in extreme cases)
Pericardial Mesothelioma
This mesothelioma type affects the pericardium, or the lining of the heart. Pericardial Mesothelioma causes fluid build-up between the tissues of the heart and the lining.
Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma:
- mild to severe chest pain
- regular cough
- irregular heart beat
- breathing pattern irregularities
- constant fatigue
Metastatic Mesothelioma
Sometimes the symptoms of mesothelioma appear only when metastasis occurs. Metastasis is the condition in which the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of metastatic mesothelioma:
- general body pain
- difficulty in swallowing food
- inflammation of the neck or face
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