What Are the Types of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare but highly aggressive form of cancer resulting from exposure to asbestos. Doctors classify its different types depending on where the cancer develops. There are four main varieties of mesothelioma:

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleural lining of the lungs and accounts for approximately 3 in 4 of all new cases.

• Symptoms: Most patients experience shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, and fatigue.
• Prognosis: About 2 in 5 patients survive one year following diagnosis.
• Treatment: Many patients undergo chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or immunotherapy — all of which can add weeks, months, or even years to a patient’s life expectancy.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen. It’s the second-most-common type of mesothelioma.

• Symptoms: Generally, patients experience pain in the abdomen, bloating, and changes in bowel movements.
• Prognosis: A prognosis is generally more favorable than with pleural mesothelioma, as approximately 25% of patients survive three years.
• Treatment: Surgery with heated chemotherapy has shown to be the most effective treatment option.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the heart and is very rare.

• Symptoms: Patients often experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, and a persistent cough.
• Prognosis: Pericardial mesothelioma has the worst prognosis of any type of mesothelioma, as only about half of patients survive six months.
• Treatment: Surgery may help some patients live beyond the average six-month survival rate.

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma affects the lining of the testes and is the least common form of mesothelioma cancer.

• Symptoms: Symptoms typically include scrotal swelling and the formation of testicular lumps.
• Prognosis: Testicular mesothelioma generally has the most favorable prognosis, with the average patient surviving two years.
• Treatment: Surgery and chemotherapy can help patients live beyond the average two-year prognosis.