Types of Mesothelioma
Exposure to asbestos causes a rare form of cancer known as mesothelioma. This disease can take several forms, described below.
It is difficult to detect mesothelioma symptoms. Often, they do not become evident until years or decades after exposure and they may appear the same as those of other illnesses.
If you believe you or a loved one might have been exposed to asbestos, you should seek immediate medical attention. If a positive diagnosis is made for any form of malignant mesothelioma, contact the mesothelioma attorneys in Florida at Levin, Papantonio, Thomas, Mitchell, Echsner & Proctor, P.A.
Florida Malignant Mesothelioma
In malignant mesothelioma, cancerous cells are found in the lining of the chest in pleural mesothelioma, in the lining of the abdomen in peritoneal mesothelioma, and in rare cases, in the lining of the heart in pericardial mesothelioma.
Symptoms may include—
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Florida Pleural Mesothelioma
When asbestos is inhaled, its tiny fibers travel to the pleura, the mesothelium that lines the inner rib cage and the outside of the lungs, and cause the cells to become cancerous. This is known as pleural mesothelioma. The asbestos fibers cause cancerous cells to divide abnormally, thickening the pleural membrane layers and building up fluid. This fluid places pressure on the lungs and the respiratory system and can prevent normal breathing. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the disease and accounts for up to 75 percent of the cases.
Pleural mesothelioma symptoms may include:
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Florida Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Florida abdominal mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma is the form of mesothelioma that affects the lining of the abdomen. It accounts for about 20 to 33 percent of known mesothelioma cases. As the tumor develops, it can put pressure on other internal organs, including the lungs, and can cause extreme abdominal pain.
Symptoms may include:
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Florida Pericardial Mesothelioma
In this rarest form of mesothelioma, asbestos fibers travel from the lungs to the mesothelial tissue that surrounds the heart, where they lodge and create cancerous tumors. As the tumors expand, they can restrict the heart’s proper functioning and cause cardiac problems, including cardiac failure.
Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may include:
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