Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be upsetting for you and your loved ones, especially when trying to understand the specific type you or a family member is facing. The two most common forms of this rare cancer are pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, and peritoneal mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity. While both types stem from asbestos exposure, they differ significantly in their location, symptoms, and treatment options. Understanding these differences is crucial for making informed decisions about medical care and legal options.
At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we have never lost a mesothelioma case. Our team, led by founding partner Joseph P. Williams, has more than 30 years of experience helping victims of asbestos exposure navigate their medical journey while fighting for the compensation they deserve. We understand the nuances between different types of mesothelioma and how these differences affect both treatment plans and legal strategies. With offices in both New York and Texas, we represent mesothelioma victims nationwide, fighting for justice regardless of which type of mesothelioma you have been diagnosed with.
The primary difference between pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma is where the cancer develops in the body, which affects how the disease progresses and presents symptoms.
Pleural mesothelioma develops in the pleura, the thin membrane that lines the lungs and chest cavity. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can become lodged in this delicate tissue, causing inflammation and cellular damage over time.
The pleural membrane consists of two layers:
As the cancer develops, these layers thicken and may develop nodules. Fluid often accumulates between the layers, which contributes to breathing difficulties.
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, the protective lining that covers the abdominal cavity and surrounds organs like the stomach, liver, and intestines. Asbestos fibers reach the peritoneum through two primary routes:
Like the pleura, the peritoneum has two layers:
As cancer develops in the peritoneum, it can cause fluid buildup in the abdomen and form tumors on both layers of the membrane.
The location of the cancer influences the symptoms experienced, which can help doctors differentiate between the two types during the diagnostic process.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma primarily affect the respiratory system and chest. Common signs include:
These symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for less serious conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, or even the flu, which can delay proper diagnosis.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma focus on the abdominal region:
These symptoms can be confused with other digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or even food poisoning, again potentially delaying diagnosis.
Treatment strategies vary significantly between pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma due to their different locations and behaviors.
Treatment for pleural mesothelioma typically involves a multimodal approach:
Recent clinical trials have explored using heated chemotherapy applied directly to the chest cavity during surgery, similar to the approach used for peritoneal mesothelioma.
Peritoneal mesothelioma treatment has seen significant advances in recent years:
The combination of CRS-HIPEC has dramatically improved survival rates for peritoneal mesothelioma patients. According to a study published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology, this approach has increased median survival from less than a year to 53 months, with some patients living more than five years after treatment. If you have been diagnosed with either form of mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, you may be eligible to get justice and compensation for your losses by filing a claim today.
At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we understand that each mesothelioma case is unique, and the type you’re facing affects both your medical journey and legal options. For over 30 years, we have dedicated ourselves to representing victims of asbestos exposure, securing the compensation needed to cover specialized treatments, regardless of whether you’re battling pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma.
Our founding partner, Joseph P. Williams, will personally meet with you in your home to discuss your specific situation. With our extensive experience in asbestos litigation and deep understanding of the medical aspects of different mesothelioma types, we provide representation that gets results. We have never lost a mesothelioma case and approach each client’s situation with the personalized attention and dedication it deserves. For a free consultation about your mesothelioma case, call us at (855) 575-6376 or visit our contact form.
As the founding partner of Williams Law Firm, Joseph P. Williams has dedicated over 30 years to representing mesothelioma victims and their families. His firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for those affected by asbestos exposure, offering personalized, aggressive legal advocacy. Based in New York, Williams Law Firm provides free consultations and handles cases nationwide.
