Types of mesothelioma

Types of mesothelioma

There are three different types of Mesothelioma: Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common type and is caused by inhaling asbestos fibres into the lungs. A tumour then forms on the lining (pleura) of the lungs, which makes breathing difficult and painful.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common and is caused by inhaled fibres which are coughed up out of the lungs and then swallowed down into the stomach. A tumour then develops on the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) which prevents it from working properly to lubricate the organs inside the abdomen.

Pericardial Mesothelioma is the least common form of the disease. Patients suffering from this type of mesothelioma develop a tumour on the membranes lining the heart and this prevents the heart from working properly to pump blood around the body.