What Are The Different Types of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, the thin protective lining that covers some internal organs. The condition is most commonly linked to asbestos exposure and is predominantly caused by the inhalation or ingestion of microscopic asbestos fibres.

Doctors usually classify mesothelioma by where it starts in the body, and they may also describe it by cell type, because this can affect treatment options and outlook. How serious mesothelioma is depends on the body area affected, how big the cancer is, if it has spread and your general health.

The different types of mesothelioma at a glance

What are the different types of mesothelioma?

The different mesothelioma types are:

Pleural mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma.

The lungs are covered by a lining called the pleura, which has two layers. The inner layer covers the lungs. The outer layer lines the ribcage and a sheet of muscle called the diaphragm. The diaphragm separates the chest from the tummy.

Between the two layers, in a space called the pleural cavity, is a small amount of fluid. This fluid acts as a lubricant and allows the lungs to move in and out smoothly and helps you to breathe easily.

Mesothelioma in the pleura starts as tiny lumps (nodules) that are usually spread throughout the pleura. These eventually grow together, causing the layers of the pleura to become thicker. This means the lungs and chest cannot move as freely, causing you to feel breathless.

Fluid many also collect between the two layers of the pleura. This is called a pleural effusion.

Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Persistent cough
• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarse voice
• High temperature
• Night sweats

Peritoneal mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type of mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum – the lining of the abdomen – which has an inner and outer layer. The inner layer covers the organs in the abdomen and the outer layer lines the abdominal wall. The peritoneum helps protect the organs in the abdomen and keeps them in place.

When mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, it causes the layers of the peritoneum to thicken and in some cases, fluid can build up in the abdomen.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Swelling or bloating
• Nausea
• Changes in bowel habits
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite and weight loss, which in turn may cause discomfort and a visibly swollen tummy.

Pericardial mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare type that forms in the pericardium – the lining around the heart.

Because the tumour impacts the heart’s function, early signs are frequently non-specific and can mimic other common heart conditions.

Possible symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Heart palpitations

Because pericardial mesothelioma is so uncommon, it can be difficult to diagnose and there is less research available than for pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma.

Testicular mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma, sometimes described as “mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis”, is extremely rare and accounts for less than 1% of mesotheliomas.

Because testicular mesothelioma is so uncommon, it is frequently misdiagnosed as a hydrocele or hernia until after surgical removal.

This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining around the testicles. Symptoms may include:

• A lump around the testicle
• Swelling in the groin area
• Pain in the testicle or surrounding area
• Fluid around the testicle

As with other rare forms of mesothelioma, diagnosis may only happen after surgery or further specialist investigation.

What are the different mesothelioma cell types?

Mesothelioma is also described by the appearance of the cancer cells under a microscope. The main cell types are epithelioid, sarcomatoid and biphasic.

• Epithelioid mesothelioma
  This is the most common type and as it grows more slowly than the other types, it may respond better to treatment.

• Sarcomatoid mesothelioma
  This is less common and tends to be a more aggressive type. It tends to progress more quickly and may have a poorer response to treatment.

• Biphasic mesothelioma
  This is also uncommon. It contains a mixture of both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells. This type is more aggressive than epithelioid mesothelioma but grows more slowly than sarcomatoid mesothelioma.

• Desmoplastic sarcomatoid mesothelioma
  This is a rare and highly aggressive sub-type of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma is notoriously difficult to diagnosis and carries a poor prognosis.

• Cystic and papillary mesothelioma
  These are rare and slow growing types of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Do my symptoms mean I have mesothelioma?

It is important that if you have any symptoms you are worried about and if you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos dust, that you seek medical advice. Some of the mesothelioma symptoms mentioned above are common and can be caused by many other conditions.

Having been exposed to asbestos dust in the past does not mean you will definitely develop an asbestos related disease and having the symptoms mentioned above does not definitely mean you have mesothelioma. However, it is important to have your symptoms investigated by medical professionals.

How do I get a mesothelioma diagnosis?

You may receive an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if your GP thinks you have symptoms that could be caused by cancer – this does not definitely mean that you do have cancer. The medical professionals will ask about your symptoms and about your work history. You should ensure you let your doctors know you believe you may have come into contact with asbestos dust in the past, no matter how long ago that contact with asbestos dust took place.

Symptoms can vary across all the different mesothelioma types and only a healthcare professional can diagnose mesothelioma. A diagnosis usually involves imaging tests and a biopsy, and treatment depends on the type, stage and the person’s overall health. If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding out early may mean it is easier to treat and that there may be more treatment options available.

FAQs about mesothelioma types

What is the most common type of mesothelioma?

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma.

• There are four types of mesothelioma in total:
  • Pleural which affects the lining of the lung
  • Peritoneal which targets the abdomen area
  • Pericardial which affects the lining of the heart
  • Testicular which develops in the lining of the testes.

How long does mesothelioma take to develop?

It usually takes many decades after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma to develop.

• Not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos dust will develop mesothelioma. However, for those who do develop the condition, their contact with asbestos would have been anywhere between 10 years and 60+ years ago.
• There is no upper time limit between exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma developing.

Can mesothelioma be cured?

Unfortunately there is currently no cure for mesothelioma.

• Although mesothelioma cannot be cured, there are treatments available which can manage symptoms and extend life expectancy.
• The treatments available depend on how advanced the mesothelioma is, the presence of other health issues and the sufferer’s own choice as to what they want to undergo.
• Research is being carried out to try and identify a cure for mesothelioma.

Is mesothelioma common in women?

Mesothelioma is not as common in women as in men.

• Most mesothelioma sufferers are men. This is due to men historically working in occupations which exposed them to asbestos at work.
• The number of women developing mesothelioma has been slowly increasing over the years, although men still far outweigh women in number.
• Women with mesothelioma may have developed it as a result of their own employment or via washing a family member’s asbestos contaminated work clothing or even using asbestos contaminated products such as some talcum powders and make-up products.

What are the most common causes of mesothelioma?

Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma.

• The most common cause of mesothelioma is via asbestos exposure through the sufferer’s work
• Mesothelioma can also be caused by exposure to asbestos when washing a family member’s asbestos contaminated work clothing eg a wife washing her husband’s work overalls
• Mesothelioma can also be caused by having lived near to an asbestos factory
• Some talcum powder is contaminated with asbestos fibres. Use of those contaminated products, including make-up and other beauty items containing talc, can cause mesothelioma

What is epithelioid mesothelioma?

Epithelioid mesothelioma the most common type of mesothelioma.

• It grows more slowly than the other types of mesothelioma
• Epithelioid mesothelioma often responds better to treatment

What is sarcomatoid mesothelioma?

This is a more aggressive type of mesothelioma than epithelioid mesothelioma.

• Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is less common than epithelioid mesothelioma
• This type of mesothelioma tends to progress more quickly

What is biphasic mesothelioma?

This is a mixture of both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells.

• This type of mesothelioma is not particularly common
• Biphasic mesothelioma tends to be more aggressive than epithelioid mesothelioma but grows more slowly than sarcomatoid mesothelioma

What other asbestos-related conditions are there?

There are four other recognised asbestos related conditions:

• Asbestos related lung cancer – many people think lung cancers are related to smoking but some lung cancers are caused by asbestos exposure
• Asbestosis – this is a fibrosis of the lung and requires a very high level of exposure to asbestos dust
• Pleural thickening – this is a condition which can be caused by asbestos exposure but also by other non-asbestos issues
• Pleural plaques – also referred to as “scarring” or “spots” on the lung. This is a very minor asbestos related condition and usually does not cause any symptoms

Is mesothelioma common in women?

Mesothelioma is a relatively rare cancer compared to other cancers, and not everyone who is exposed to asbestos dust will develop it.

In the UK approximately 2,500 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year according to the HSE. Most newly diagnosed sufferers are men but certainly women also develop mesothelioma. In the UK mesothelioma claims approximately 400 female lives annually, compared to around 1,800 annually for men. Female mesotheliomas can be linked to the woman’s own previous employment but are often linked to secondary exposure, environmental exposure or use of asbestos contaminated talc products.

Male cases are more often related to their previous employment but may also be linked to other sources of exposure. Employment linked matters covers all types of work but a higher number of mesotheliomas are often seen in men who worked in trades such as construction, lagging, plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, ship building and boiler making.

Mesothelioma is therefore more common in men than women but many women do develop the condition.

Need help? Speak to our specialist mesothelioma solicitors

For a free confidential discussion get in touch with our experienced and highly skilled asbestos claim solicitors. Our experts have decades of experience in winning compensation for sufferers of asbestos-related diseases. To get answers to your questions, give the team a call today on 0330 822 3451 or request a callback.