About Mesothelioma

• Mesothelioma patients are often given between 18 and 24 months to live after being diagnosed. This form of cancer, while rare, is quite aggressive. According to the American Cancer Society, each year in the United States, fewer thanr 3,000 new patients are diagnosed with this form of cancer.
  
  

Pleural Mesothelioma

• Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleura (the lining of the lungs), and is caused when minute particles of asbestos are inhaled and subsequently irritate the lining of the lungs. Over time, lesions develop that then become cancerous. This form of mesothelioma is the most common.
  
  

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

• If airborne asbestos particles are ingested rather than inhaled, peritoneal mesothelioma can develop. This form of mesothelioma affects tissues in the abdomen, including the mesothelium.
  
  

Pericardial Mesothelioma

• In some rare cases, asbestos fibers can work their way into the pericardium (the membrane that encases the heart). This form of localized mesothelioma has been designated "pericardial."
  
  

Testicular Mesothelioma

• The rarest form of mesothelioma is the testicular form. This form of mesothelioma occurs when the tunica vaginalis, or lining surrounding the testicles, begins to develop cancerous cells or tumors.