There are 4 kinds of mesothelioma and each type of cancer is classified according to the location in the body where it originates. The mesothelial lining around all the vital organs inside our body such as abdomen, lungs, testicles or heart may be affected. Depending on these locations, there are four kinds of mesothelioma that are known respectively as peritoneal, pleural, testicular and pericardial mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma that originates within the lungs and chest cavity is known as pleural mesothelioma and is the most frequent. Symptoms can be very mild in the early stages of pleural mesothelioma and patients often complain of persistent pain in one side of the chest. They may also experience fever and weight loss or have problem breathing due to fluid built up in the chest. Pleural mesothelioma may not be easy to diagnose correctly. Getting a CT scan performed on the chest area is one way doctors check the severity of the cancer and how far it has progressed.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

This is the second most common form of mesothelioma. Forming in the mesothelial layer around the abdomen, peritoneal mesothelioma often forms hundreds of tiny tumors that may spread into other adjacent organs such as the spleen, liver or bowel. The patient often complains of severe abdominal pain and may feel pressure and discomfort due to the fluid buildup in the abdomen. Feelings of nausea, fever, difficult bowel movements and swollen feet are often other symptoms.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

This rare form of mesothelioma involves the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. As the cancer spreads, the heart is not able to transport oxygen as competently to the body and as a result there is a steady decline in health. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include pain in the chest and nausea.

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma is another rare form of mesothelioma and involves the lining around the testes. The two major indicators of this cancer are swelling of the scrotum and testicular lumps.

All four types of mesothelioma are considered malignant and therefore require treatment. Because there are only about 2,500 cases per year, most patients are seen by mesothelioma specialists.

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