Pleural Vs. Peritoneal Mesothelioma | Shrader Law
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There are several different types of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and testicular. Below, we discuss two of the most common types of mesothelioma—pleural and peritoneal.

What is Pleural Mesothelioma?

Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and is the most common form of the disease. Approximately 75% of mesothelioma patients have pleural mesothelioma.

This form of mesothelioma appears as a grayish tumor that settles on the pleural surfaces that cover the lung and line the inner surface of the chest wall.

Men are much more likely to develop pleural mesothelioma than women. Additionally, the majority of individuals with pleural mesothelioma are between 50-80 years of age. This age group is most impacted by this disease because mesothelioma has a long latency period which causes symptoms to remain dormant until 20-60 years after asbestos exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include the following:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Cough

  • Chest pain

What is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

While peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, it still constitutes 20-30% of mesothelioma cases.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is different from pleural mesothelioma in that it affects women more than men, and also presents symptoms at a younger age.

There are two main types of peritoneal mesothelioma:

  • Diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma: The tumor has spread within the abdominal cavity. The common symptoms include a distended abdomen, pain, nausea, weight loss, and bowel obstruction.

  • Localized peritoneal mesothelioma: The tumor has defined borders usually centered in one location. The common symptoms include abdominal pain or a mass within the abdomen that can be felt during a physical examination.

Suffering from Mesothelioma After Asbestos Exposure? Contact Us Today

Both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma share asbestos exposure as a risk factor. If you or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos at home or in the workplace and is now suffering from mesothelioma, contact us today to protect your rights.

Contact Shrader & Associates L.L.P. today at (713) 787-3733 to schedule a consultation with our team.