$13.1 Million
$4 Million
$2.3 Million
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Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure. There are four types of malignant mesothelioma, each named for the part of the body where the cancer forms. This can include the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart and testicles.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be able to pursue compensation to help pay for medical treatments and other expenses.
Call (800) 326-8900 now for a free legal consultation to learn more about your options.
Mesothelioma Types & Asbestos Exposure
All types of mesothelioma cancer are caused by exposure to asbestos. This material was widely used throughout different industries in the 20th century until the public became aware of the health risks associated with it.
When disturbed, microscopic asbestos fibers can become airborne. If inhaled or ingested, these fibers can become trapped in the lining of organs and cause irritation for decades.
Over the course of 10-50 years, this irritation may lead to serious asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma.
The type of mesothelioma that someone is diagnosed with depends on where in the body this cancer develops.
Mesothelioma Legal Information
4 Types of Mesothelioma Cancer
There are four types of mesothelioma, each with a distinct set of signs and symptoms. The type of mesothelioma depends on where in the body this cancer develops.
Pleural Mesothelioma
The most common form of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, accounts for 80-85% of cases diagnosed each year. This type of cancer forms in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. Early symptoms typically include chest pain and shortness of breath.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The second most common form of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, accounts for about 10-15% of cases diagnosed each year. This type of cancer forms in the mesothelial lining of the abdomen, known as the peritoneum. Symptoms typically include abdominal pain or swelling.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
One of the rarer forms of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma accounts for less than 1% of cases diagnosed each year. This type of cancer develops on the exterior lining of the heart, known as the pericardium, and strikes twice as many men as women. Early symptoms typically include chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath.
Testicular Mesothelioma
Testicular mesothelioma is even rarer than pericardial mesothelioma. This mesothelioma cancer develops in the thin lining of the testes, known as the tunica vaginalis. Testicular mesothelioma can often remain asymptomatic, but when symptoms like swelling and pain emerge, they are often mistaken for different conditions.
Results for All Types of Mesothelioma Cancer
Because companies knew the risks of asbestos exposure but hid them from the public, anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma may be able to take legal action and secure compensation.
Over the last 20 years, Simmons Hanly Conroy has recovered more than $9.3 billion in results for mesothelioma patients and their families.
Some of our past asbestos case settlements and verdicts include:
$13.1 Million
Occupation: Carpenter
Diagnosis: Pleural Mesothelioma
- $60 million for a New York laborer with pleural mesothelioma
- $3.26 million for an Illinois insulator with peritoneal mesothelioma
- $1.36 million for a tanker driver in Virginia with pericardial mesothelioma
- $2 million for a union laborer in Massachusetts with testicular mesothelioma
$4 Million
Occupation: Laborer
Diagnosis: Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- $34 million for a mechanic with pleural mesothelioma
- $1 million for a medical writer in Pennsylvania with pericardial mesothelioma
- $3.84 million for an Illinois restaurant worker with peritoneal mesothelioma
- $1.58 million for a Wisconsin lumberyard worker with testicular mesothelioma
$2.3 Million
Occupation: Mechanic
Diagnosis: Testicular Mesothelioma
- $10 million for a boiler tender with pleural mesothelioma
- $4.93 million for a woman with peritoneal mesothelioma from secondhand exposure
- $15 million for the family of a New York construction worker with pleural mesothelioma
- $1.2 million for an Alabama truck driver with pericardial mesothelioma
While there’s never a guarantee of success with any claim, we’ll fight hard to get you the compensation you deserve. Results will vary from case to case depending on the individual’s exposure, age, diagnosis and several other factors.
Mesothelioma Cell Types
There are three different types of mesothelioma cancer cells: epithelioid, sarcomatoid and biphasic. Doctors refer to this as the histology of mesothelioma tumors, and each cell type impacts how the cancer progresses and is treated.
Epithelioid Cells
Epithelioid or epithelial cells are the most common type of mesothelioma cancer cells. This cell type has a uniform, ordered structure, encouraging cells to clump together. Epithelioid cells do not spread as quickly as other cell types, which makes them more responsive to mesothelioma treatment than sarcomatoid or biphasic cells.
Sarcomatoid Cells
Sarcomatoid cells are rarer than epithelioid cells. These cells are spindle-shaped, allowing them to break off from tumors more frequently. For this reason, sarcomatoid cells are more aggressive than epithelioid cells. Additionally, cells may be left behind after surgery, requiring a more comprehensive treatment approach.
Biphasic Cells
When both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cells are present, it is considered biphasic, or mixed, mesothelioma. This is the second most common mesothelioma cell type. Since each patient may have a different level of each cell type present in biphasic mesothelioma, treatment must be carefully adjusted to address their specific needs.
Hear from Mesothelioma Survivors
John: 3+ Year Pleural Mesothelioma Survivor
John spent decades working at construction sites to earn a living for his family. Unfortunately, his job exposed him to asbestos fibers — and in 2019, he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.
John had lived an otherwise active lifestyle with his wife Dee until the weeks leading up to his diagnosis, and together they decided to take action against those responsible for his illness.
“We filed a mesothelioma lawsuit to hold companies accountable,” John said. “I don’t know how these people slept at night, knowing people were being exposed to asbestos, poisoning their bodies. They need to pay anyone that’s been affected by this.”
Simmons Hanly Conroy was able to secure a mesothelioma settlement for John and Dee, which allowed him to receive the treatments he needed to begin feeling more like his old self.
Today, John is back to traveling, spending time with his wife and playing golf with his friends.
Julie: 17+ Year Peritoneal Mesothelioma Survivor
For over 40 years, Julie’s dad Greg worked as a commercial electrician in St. Louis. When she was growing up, he’d return home from work covered in asbestos dust from installing electrical systems in commercial facilities and powerplants.
“My father would come home covered in dust from a worksite,” Julie said. “When my mother washed his clothes in the laundry room that doubled as my playroom and shook out the dust, she had no idea she was spreading asbestos fibers throughout our house.”
A year after losing her dad to asbestos-related lung cancer, Julie was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2006. She was given only 6-12 months to live.
After her diagnosis, Julie worked with our firm to secure compensation for treatment. Today, she is a fierce advocate for other mesothelioma patients and a vocal supporter of the need for an asbestos ban in the United States.
Get Help from Our Mesothelioma Lawyers
Asbestos companies knew about the risks of asbestos exposure for years, but they hid this information from the public to protect their profits.
As a result, you may be able to take legal action and secure compensation if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, our asbestos attorneys have secured over $9.7 billion for our clients nationwide.
Additionally, there’s no financial risk to taking legal action, as we only get paid if your case results in compensation.
You do not deserve to suffer because of corporate wrongdoing. Let our compassionate team fight for justice on your behalf.
Call (800) 326-8900 or fill out our contact form now to see if we can help with your case.
Mesothelioma Types FAQs
What type of cancer is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the lining of the body’s organs, usually the lungs, abdomen, heart or testicles. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be able to pursue compensation to help pay for medical care and other expenses. Call (800) 326-8900 now for a free consultation.
What are the four types of mesothelioma?
There are four different types of mesothelioma:
- Pleural mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs
- Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen
- Pericardial mesothelioma impacts the lining of the heart
- Testicular mesothelioma is found in the testicles
Each type affects different locations of the body and, as a result, has unique symptoms and characteristics.
Is mesothelioma a type of lung cancer?
No. While lung cancer develops directly within the lungs, pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining of the lungs (known as the pleura).
However, both mesothelioma and lung cancer may be caused by exposure to asbestos.
How do I know what type of mesothelioma I have?
To know what type of mesothelioma you might have, it’s important to understand the symptoms of mesothelioma.
Each type of mesothelioma has a unique set of symptoms, like digestion issues for peritoneal mesothelioma and shortness of breath for pleural mesothelioma.
If you are experiencing any mesothelioma symptoms and you’ve been exposed to asbestos in the past, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Once your doctor is aware of your symptoms, they will begin the screening process to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. If a diagnosis is confirmed, they will provide treatment recommendations based on your specific type of mesothelioma.
What is the rarest form of mesothelioma?
The rarest form of mesothelioma is testicular mesothelioma, which makes up less than 1% of all cases.
Regardless of the type of mesothelioma you or a loved one has been diagnosed with, our attorneys may be able to investigate the source of your asbestos exposure and pursue compensation on your behalf.
What can I do if my loved one was diagnosed with mesothelioma?
A mesothelioma diagnosis may be incredibly stressful not only for the person diagnosed but also for their family and loved ones. Fortunately, Simmons Hanly Conroy is here to help.
By working with a leading mesothelioma law firm, patients may pursue mesothelioma compensation to help pay for treatment and provide financial security for their families. Contact us today to get started.
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Reviewed by:Amy Fair R.N.- Fact-Checked
- Medical Reviewer
Amy fills a unique role helping guide patients and families through the often confusing and overwhelming steps following an asbestos-related cancer diagnosis. Assisted by 14 medical assistants and a Licensed Practical Nurse, Amy and her medical team provide healthcare information and explain treatment options to those recently diagnosed and throughout the progression of their disease.