Firm Law Mesothelioma

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a tumor of the mesothelium. It is a thin membrane that lines the chest and abdomen (stomach) and surrounds the organs in these areas.

A cancer of the mesothelium is called a malignant mesothelioma. However, it is usually referred to simply as mesothelioma. There are other tumors mesothelium, such as adenomatoid tumor, benign cystic mesothelioma and solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. Our cancer support specialists can provide information about this. This section is about malignant mesothelioma.

There are two main types of malignant mesothelioma:

• pleural mesothelioma

• peritoneal mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma

The pleura is the outer lining of the lungs. It has two layers, the inner (visceral) layer, which is located next to the lung, and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the chest wall. Two layers of the pleura are usually in contact and slide each other as we breathe. Produce liquid layer, which allows them to move smoothly with each other.

When mesothelioma develops in the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), which is smooth and thickened layers can be pressed into the lungs. Fluid can also collect between the two layers of the pleura: this is known as pleural effusion. Approximately 3 out of 4 cases of mesothelioma develops in the pleura.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The outer layer of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. He also has two layers: the inner (visceral) layer, which is next to the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer, which lines the abdominal wall. Mesothelioma of the peritoneum is called peritoneal mesothelioma. It causes thickening of the lining that surrounds the abdominal organs and collection of fluid in the abdomen. Collection of fluid called ascites and causes swelling of the abdomen. About 1 in 4 cases of mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum.

It is rare, mesothelioma can develop in the outer layer of the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or the outer layer of the testicles (testicular mesothelioma).