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There are two common types of mesothelioma; pleural and peritoneal. If a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is likely one of the two. However, there is a small percent of individuals with both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma starts in the pleura, a cavity in the body that separates the lungs from the chest. However, peritoneal mesothelioma begins in the peritoneum; the part of the body that lines the exterior of the abdominal cavity.
Although the origination of mesothelioma differs between pleural and peritoneal, the cause of cancer is the same; asbestos exposure. When an individual inhales or ingests asbestos, it begins to irritate the lungs. Interestingly, those with pleural mesothelioma tend to have inhaled asbestos, while those with peritoneal mesothelioma often report having ingested the asbestos.
Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
Common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
It is important for a patient to stay informed about both types of mesothelioma and its symptoms. This can help an individual receive the treatment that they need to improve their survival rate.
A study analyzed 50 individuals with both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma and identified important information about a patient’s survival rate and treatment options. According to the study, those with both types of mesothelioma had a median survival rate of nearly 34 months. One thing to note is that this survival rate is longer than the median survival rate of an individual who only has pleural mesothelioma, which is typically between 12 and 22 months. However, it is not as long as the median survival rate for an individual who only has peritoneal mesothelioma.
The study also found that participants had their second cancer identified within one year of their initial diagnosis. Early treatment is important, especially for those with mesothelioma. This is due to the cancer’s aggressive nature and short survival rate. The treatment options for individuals with both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma includes a multimodal approach. Patients with both forms of the cancer could use chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation.
If you or a loved one received a mesothelioma diagnosis, contact a Philadelphia mesothelioma attorney at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler. We help clients through both the legal and emotional process involved with a mesothelioma diagnosis. Contact us online or call us at 215-569-4000 for a free consultation today. Located in Philadelphia, we proudly serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Delaware County, Chester County, and Philadelphia County.