Mesothelioma Info

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining around the abdomen, which is called the peritoneum.

The peritoneum, like the pleura in the lungs, has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the abdominal wall. Peritoneal mesothelioma causes thickening of the membranes surrounding the abdominal organs and a collection of fluid in the abdomen.

The collection of fluid is called ascites and causes swelling of the abdomen.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is the most infrequent form of this cancer. Individuals with pericardial mesothelioma have cancerous growths in tissues surrounding the heart. Due to the rarity of this cancer, pericardial mesothelioma has not been definitely associated with asbestos exposure, although strong links between asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma have been made.

The early symptoms indicating pericardial mesothelioma include chest pain, dyspnea (breathlessness), cough and palpitations. Surgery combined with radiation therapy may provide some abatement, but the prognosis is extremely poor.

Epitheloid Mesothelioma

While Mesothelioma is most often classified according to where it occurs in the body, it may also be classified according to how the cells look under a microscope. When mesothelioma is grouped this way, there are three types:

• Epitheloid
• Sarcomatoid or fibrous
• Mixed type (also known as biphasic type)

Between five and seven out of 10 cases (50-70 percent) of mesothelioma diagnosed are the epitheloid type.

Between seven and 20 out of every 100 cases (7 — 20 percent) of mesothelioma diagnosed are sarcomatoid type.

Between 20 and 35 out of every 100 cases (20 — 35 percent) of mesothelioma diagnosed are mixed and have both epitheloid and sarcomatoid cells.

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

While Mesothelioma is most often classified according to where it occurs in the body, it may also be classified according to how the cells look under a microscope. When mesothelioma is grouped this way, there are three types:

• Epitheloid
• Sarcomatoid or fibrous
• Mixed type (also known as biphasic type)

Between five and seven out of 10 cases (50-70 percent) of mesothelioma diagnosed are the epitheloid type.

Between seven and 20 out of every 100 cases (7 — 20 percent) of mesothelioma diagnosed are sarcomatoid type.

Between 20 and 35 out of every 100 cases (20 — 35 percent) of mesothelioma diagnosed are mixed and have both epitheloid and sarcomatoid cells.

Biphasic Mesothelioma

While Mesothelioma is most often classified according to where it occurs in the body, it may also be classified according to how the cells look under a microscope. When mesothelioma is grouped this way, there are three types:

• Epitheloid
• Sarcomatoid or fibrous
• Mixed type (also known as biphasic type)

Between five and seven out of 10 cases (50-70 percent) of mesothelioma diagnosed are the epitheloid type.

Between seven and 20 out of every 100 cases (7 — 20 percent) of mesothelioma diagnosed are sarcomatoid type.
Between 20 and 35 out of every 100 cases (20 — 35 percent) of mesothelioma diagnosed are mixed and have both epitheloid and sarcomatoid cells.