How to Find the Best Mesothelioma Lawyer or Law Firm

If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer or any other illness caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos, there are many decisions you must make. Of course, your top priority will be taking care of yourself and focusing on the medical aspects and mesothelioma treatment choices. You will also have to deal with an array of issues, such as how much will it cost to treat your asbestos-related illness and how will it affect your family. In the first few days, you might not even think about hiring a mesothelioma lawyer because of your pressing emotional and medical concerns.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer, keep in mind that you may be entitled to substantial compensation. We invite you to use our Asbestos Attorney Locator Tool to find a top mesothelioma lawyer in your area. With over $30 billion currently in asbestos trust funds, now is the right time to take the first step in determining what you may qualify for.

Hiring the Best Mesothelioma Attorney

If this is the first time that you have needed to hire an attorney, you need to know that asbestos and mesothelioma cases should not be handled by just anyone with a law practice. Like car accident or nursing home abuse lawyers, asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys specialize in a narrow niche of personal injury law, with a unique focus on asbestos-related lawsuits.

This field is extremely complex and requires knowledge about the asbestos industry, knowledge of mesothelioma treatments, exposure to asbestos, and investigative methods to determine who is at fault. The average personal injury lawyer might have a general idea about cases related to asbestos, but may not have the experience or skill sets to handle your case in a way that an accomplished mesothelioma lawyer can. A mesothelioma attorney has the right tools and experience to help you deal with the complexities of your case and to help you win fair compensation for your asbestos-related illness.

Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all mold which produces mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers. Every individual lawyer has a unique method of handling cases, and each law firm has its own set of legal strategies in dealing with asbestos law. Some lawyers have dealt with cases such as yours for years and understand first-hand about the disease, including the harsh symptoms of mesothelioma and what victims have to live with on a daily basis.

On the other hand, other attorneys are newcomers to the world of mesothelioma law, and although they may have asbestos-related training, they lack the experience of actual cases. Choosing the right lawyer to handle your case can be a challenge, especially if you’re stressing over your illness, your bills, and how this is affecting your loved ones. However, as previously mentioned, if you arm yourself with knowledge and options, finding a good lawyer doesn’t have to be difficult.

Steps To Finding The Best Lawyer or Law Firm

Choosing a mesothelioma attorney is not a task that should be done in haste. You should never hire a lawyer just because a law firm’s TV ad was loud and flashy. There are many attorneys and law firms competing to handle asbestos or mesothelioma cases, but some are inexperienced newcomers who might not be able to handle your case properly. You need to separate the good lawyers from the not-so-good ones. But with so many law firms and attorneys out there, how do you find the right one?

1: Research 

The first step is to do research on mesothelioma and asbestos attorneys. This sounds easy enough, but it requires time, patience, and energy. These three assets might be in short supply, especially when you are tired and don’t feel well, yet it’s important to make sure you seek out the mesothelioma law firm for your particular case and needs. Even if they don’t, they can help you conduct Internet searches and make lists of law firms or attorneys who may be qualified to handle your case.
Whether you conduct your own research or delegate it to others, look for attorneys with the right qualifications and established histories of dealing with asbestos law. Don’t make a list that’s too long. Select a manageable number of prospective mesothelioma law firms and ask for a case evaluation as quickly as possible. If a law firm can’t evaluate your case in a timely manner, there is a chance they may be too busy to take on your case. With cases as sensitive as mesothelioma lawsuits, you’ll need an attorney who not only has the experience, but also the time and effort to dedicate to your case.

2: Internet 

Looking on the Internet is a convenient and relatively simple method to find the best attorney. The search terms “asbestos lawyer” and “mesothelioma attorneys” yield literally thousands of search engine results. Though the sheer number of lawyer websites is staggering, you can figure out the better ones simply by reading the information provided on home pages and FAQ sections. An experienced mesothelioma law firm’s website should provide you detailed information regarding all aspects of asbestos-related diseases, state statute of limitations, pertinent information regarding lawsuits, and answers to important questions you may have.

3. Comprehensive Websites 

If the information is well-written, free of hyperbole, and covers detailed information, add the firms’ names to your list of possible choices. Steer clear of websites belonging to attorneys who make exaggerated promises about how much you will win if you retain them to handle your case. Although it’s important to seek out a law firm’s track record of previous successful mesothelioma lawsuits, no law firm can guarantee exactly how much you’ll win.

Keep in mind, however, that although mesothelioma legal cases were relatively obscure until the number of documented mesothelioma cases rose in the 1990s and 2000s, they are usually lucrative.Yet, there are an array of factors that affect each case, such as the stage of the disease, how you long you were exposed, and much more. Therefore, it’s not possible for a mesothelioma law firm to promise you a set amount of money beforehand. The best lawyers will never make you false promises of how much compensation you can win.

Key Points in Finding the Best Law Firm

Knowledgeable in all aspects of state and federal asbestos laws
Extensive knowledge of all asbestos-related diseases, such as malignant mesothelioma and asbestosis
Training on how to handle families with lost loved ones and/or victims going through emotional trauma
Proper investigative skills in order to research prior company records, and if applicable, previous lawsuits against the defendant
A professional law firm typically offers a no-obligation consultation in order to determine if they can successfully handle your case

Additional Tips:

Get Client References: 

If you want to find out how well mesothelioma lawyers handle their cases, ask for testimonials from some of their clients. Prospective hires will provide you with a list of satisfied clients who have cleared the attorneys to give to their names and contact information. You probably will see only positive feedback, but you can get a good feel for how successfully the lawyers handled previous cases.

Get a Consultation: 

Once you have a short list of attorneys that fit the needs of your asbestos lawsuit, begin contacting them and ask for a pre-screening. The initial contact can be made on the Internet via the attorneys’ websites or by phone. The consultation, however, is best done in person because this is when the attorneys evaluate your case. During this evaluation, the asbestos lawyers will advise you on your case’s validity, your chances of getting a settlement, and how much of a percentage of the award they will get if you win. Keep in mind, as aforementioned, the best mesothelioma lawyers will usually offer you a free, no-obligation consultation before taking on your case.

How to Find a Mesothelioma Specialist

It’s easy and convenient to rely on family and friends for a doctor reference when you need a general practitioner or a family doctor. But when you’re looking for a mesothelioma specialist, it may be hard to know where to turn.

There are just a few doctors who specialize in asbestos cancer because it is such a rare disease. Finding one who is perfect for you can be a difficult process. The following steps can help patients determine which treatment specialist works best for their needs.

Look for a treatment facility - 

Many large hospitals and medical centers nationwide have recognized the need to help asbestos-cancer patients. While the disease is rare, it is deadly. Mesothelioma treatment centers have been established to help these patients with the care they deserve. Some of the top cancer centers are staffed with experts that specialize in the treatment of mesothelioma cancer.

Check your insurance company - 

Once you’ve found several doctors who you’d like to see, check with your insurance company. Many insurance companies can help with information that includes educational background, gender, years in practice and hospital affiliations.

Internet Research - 

Make sure your specialist is board certified through the American Board of Medical Specialties. This ensures that the doctor lives up to a higher professional standard than noncertified doctors. Check out the doctor’s website and online reviews. Don’t rule them out immediately if there are negative reviews but you like the doctor. Keep the negative reviews in mind when making a decision.

Pay Attention During Visits - 

When making the appointment, note the professionalism of the office staff. Once there, do the same with the nurses, physician’s assistants and techs. Ensure the facility is clean and uncluttered. Keep a mental note of the timeliness of the appointment and convenience of the location.

Ask the right questions - 

Don’t be shy about asking the nurse questions about the office and how it’s run. Is it crazy busy all the time? Is the doctor always running late? How many nurses work there? Sometimes they can be the best source of information. Once you see the doctor, make sure to ask the right questions and note if the doctor seemed uninterested and rushed.

Get second and third opinions, if needed - 

If the first or second doctor doesn’t meet your expectations, don’t feel shy about finding another. Remember that no doctor or office staff will be perfect, but you do have the right to have quality medical care. Go with your instinct - In the end, you might have two or three great doctors to choose from. Decide what you want and need in a doctor and make your decision.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Diagnosis of mesothelioma can be suspected with imaging but is confirmed with biopsy. It must be clinically and histologically differentiated from other pleural and pulmonary malignancies, including reactive pleural disease, primary lung carcinoma, pleural metastases of other cancers, and other primary pleural cancers.Primary pericardial mesothelioma is often diagnosed after it has metastasized to lymph nodes or the lungs.

Cancer specialists utilize a number of diagnostic tools to accurately confirm mesothelioma, including blood tests such as MESOMARK and SOMAmer panel, imaging tests such as MRIs, CT scans, PET scans, X-rays and biopsies to investigate cancerous growth in tissue samples.

There are three steps to the mesothelioma diagnosis:

Symptoms Begin to Show

Patient detects symptoms, which generally start to appear 20-50 years after exposure. These symptoms often mimic those of other diseases.

Patient Consults Primary Care Physician

The primary care physician discusses symptoms with patient. These doctors perform preliminary tests. If cancer is suspected, they refer patient to an oncologist.

Oncologist Makes Final Diagnosis

The oncologist conducts a variety of tests based on the patient's health. Tests may include imaging scans, blood tests and biopsies to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Mesothelioma Biopsy

A biopsy is a crucial diagnostic procedure doctors use to detect mesothelioma. They are performed to determine whether a suspicious lesion is cancerous and can also be useful when trying to distinguish a specific type of cancer. Performing a biopsy is one of the most definitive ways to ensure diagnosis an accurate of asbestos cancer.

Blood Tests and Biomarkers

While imaging tests and tissue biopsies are the most common methods for diagnosing mesothelioma, blood tests can also help doctors identify the disease. These blood tests look for certain indicators of disease, known as biomarkers, in a patient's blood.

Mesothelioma Latency Period

The latency period refers to the time between initial asbestos exposure and when a doctor definitively diagnoses the cancer. The long period of time between exposure and illness is one of the hallmarks of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Imaging Scans

Doctors use imaging scans, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and others, as noninvasive tools that help detect tumors in the body when a patient experiences symptoms usually associated with an asbestos-related disease like mesothelioma.

X-rays
Tumors
CT Scans
MRI Scans
PET Scans

Mesothelioma Pathology

Pathology, the study of the nature of disease and its causes and effects, plays a significant role in the diagnosis of asbestos cancers. Because each type of cancer has particular characteristics, studying the way cancer behaves in the body and how it affects surrounding body tissues and organs can help doctors provide an accurate diagnosis and develop treatment plans for patients.

What Are the Mesothelioma Causes?

What Are the Mesothelioma Causes?

Contact with asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma cancer, as nearly every patient diagnosed with this aggressive cancer came in contact with it at some point. Mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure commonly occurs occupationally, environmentally or as a result of secondhand exposure.

Risk Factors for Mesothelioma

Working at an asbestos mine or asbestos processing plant

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Working in a high-risk occupational setting, such as the construction or automotive industries

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Serving on military ships or facilities built with products containing asbestos

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Living in a residential area near an asbestos mine

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Disturbing asbestos products during a home renovation without proper safety measures

Exposure to Mineral Fibers

Exposure to zeolites, a class of fibrous minerals chemically similar to asbestos, may also increase the risk for mesothelioma. High rates of mesothelioma in a region of Turkey suggest that those living in that area and others working with a zeolite building material called erionite may be at risk for developing the disease.

Radiation Exposure

Exposure to radiation may increase mesothelioma risk, but evidence is rare and inconsistent. Several studies have shown the risk for mesothelioma slightly increases after a person receives radiation therapy as a treatment for other cancers.

Polio Vaccines and Simian Virus 40
Some studies suggest people who received a polio vaccine between 1955 and 1963 may have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Tens of millions of polio vaccines during that nine-year span were infected by the simian virus 40 (SV40). Although the largest studies did not find a link between the virus and increased mesothelioma risk, the topic remains controversial as studies continue.

Genetics

Because only a small number of people exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma, scientists believe genetics can affect a person's risk for the cancer. Researchers have confirmed a mutation in a gene called BAP1 increases the likelihood of developing mesothelioma and melanoma of the eye.

Age and Gender

Mesothelioma is more commonly diagnosed in men than women, and rarely affects people younger than 45. This is because mesothelioma often takes decades to develop, and men are more likely to work in jobs where asbestos exposure occurs.

Is Smoking a Risk Factor?

Studies have shown that smoking is not a risk factor for mesothelioma. However, people who smoke and have been exposed to asbestos are much more likely to develop lung cancer. Some studies reveal that those who smoke are as much as 90 percent more likely to develop lung cancer if they also were exposed to asbestos.

Researchers also found that smoking can weaken lungs and reduce the body's ability to dispense of asbestos fibers trapped inside. Smoking also aggravates asbestosis, an incurable breathing disorder also caused by asbestos exposure.

Causes vs. Risk Factors

It is important to understand that a risk factor for mesothelioma is not necessarily a cause. Although research shows men are much more likely to develop mesothelioma than women, gender alone cannot cause the cancer. The same may be true for other risk factors.

The link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is so strong that it can be difficult for researchers to tell if any known risk factors can cause mesothelioma on their own. Although scientists continue to study this topic, exposure to asbestos remains the most clearly defined cause for mesothelioma.

What Are the Most Common Mesothelioma Symptoms?

What Are the Most Common Mesothelioma Symptoms?

Unfortunately, asbestosis and mesothelioma symptoms, mirror many other types of lung-related diseases. Symptoms can be different based on the type of cancer and can be vague and mild even as the disease progresses into a later stage. Early signs can be so slight that they are mistaken as normal aches and pains or symptoms of other illnesses, making asbestos-related cancer hard to detect.

Dry Cough or Wheezing
Shortness of Breath
(dyspnea)
Respiratory Complications
or Difficulty Breathing
Pain in the Chest or Abdomen
Fever
Pleural Effusions
Anemia
Muscle Weakness
Chest Pain
Weight Loss
Respiratory Complications

Symptoms or signs of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years (or more) after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion) are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

The most common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other features may include weight loss, fever, night sweats, poor appetite, vomiting, constipation, and umbilical hernia. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face

Chest wall pain
Pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
Shortness of breath
Fatigue or anemia
Wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up (hemoptysis)
Abdominal pain
Ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen
A mass in the abdomen
Problems with bowel function
Weight loss
Blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis
Disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs
Jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin
Low blood sugar level
Pleural effusion
Pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs
Severe ascites

What is Mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare, asbestos-related cancer that forms on the thin protective tissues that cover the lungs and abdomen. A combined approach to treatment is helping people improve their survival and ease symptoms.

Mesothelioma (malignant mesothelioma) Types?

1. Pleural (lungs)
2. Peritoneal (abdomen)
3. Pericardial (heart)
4. Testicular

Pleural and peritoneal are the most common types, comprising nearly 90 percent of all diagnoses.

Primary Cause of All Mesothelioma Types
All the different types and subtypes of this disease share one common thread. They are caused primarily by a prolonged exposure to asbestos, usually in the workplace. If a doctor suspects that you have any form of mesothelioma, you should think back through your work background to find a connection to when you worked with or around asbestos materials and products.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma develops in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. This type represents approximately 75 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Although symptoms may vary, the most common pleural mesothelioma symptoms include:

Shortness of breath
Persistent dry cough
Persistent chest pain
Difficulty swallowing
Night sweats / fever
Fatigue

reatment for pleural mesothelioma largely depends on the stage of the cancer, which doctors use to describe how far it has progressed. When mesothelioma is diagnosed at an early stage, potentially curative surgery may be an option for patients

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the mesothelial lining of the abdomen, known as the peritoneum. Approximately 20 percent of all mesothelioma cases are peritoneal. Common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

Gastrointestinal icon
Abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling
Weight loss
Nausea / vomiting
Constipation or diarrhea
Fatigue

Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma may have symptoms caused by thickening of the peritoneal membrane and the build-up of fluid. Because peritoneal mesothelioma spreads throughout the body faster than other types of mesothelioma, treatment may be difficult. 

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma develops on the exterior lining of the heart, known as the pericardium. This type of mesothelioma is rare and accounts for about 1 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Symptoms develop when fluid builds up in the spaces between the layers of the pericardium. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms include:

heart organ icon
Irregular Heartbeat
Chest Pain
Difficulty Breathing
Coughing
Night Sweats / Fever
Fatigue

As with other types of mesothelioma, doctors most commonly treat pericardial mesothelioma with palliative therapies that relieve symptoms. Removing pericardial tumors with surgery is risky because they grow so close to the heart.

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis, the lining of the testes. This is the rarest type of mesothelioma, accounting for less than 1 percent of all cases. Many patients are diagnosed while receiving surgery or treatment for another condition.

Because of the rarity of this type, it has been difficult for medical researchers to come up with a complete list of symptoms. The two main indicators of this cancer are painless testicular lumps and swelling of the scrotum. This form of mesothelioma is usually not diagnosed until lumps develop.

Testicular mesothelioma patients may undergo surgery to remove all or part of the affected testicle. Doctors sometimes recommend adjuvant therapy, which involves chemotherapy or radiation therapy after the surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Most Common Mesothelioma Cell Types

Epithelial Mesothelioma

Accounting for 50 to 70 percent of all cases, epithelial mesothelioma is by far the most common histological subtype. Compared with other cell types, epithelial mesothelioma typically responds best to treatment. It is therefore associated with the best survival.

Papillary mesothelioma, also known as well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma (WDPM), is a rare subtype of epithelial mesothelioma. WDPM is considered a benign type of mesothelioma that grows slowly and responds well to treatment. It most commonly occurs in the abdomen of women, but can develop in the pleura as well.

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

The least common of the three major histological subtypes, sarcomatoid mesothelioma is observed in about 10 to 20 percent of all cases. Because this subtype is particularly aggressive, survival is usually poor.

Biphasic Mesothelioma

In about 20 to 35 percent of cases, mesothelioma tumors contain a mix of epithelial and sarcomatoid cells. This subtype is called biphasic mesothelioma. The ratio of epithelial to biphasic cells can vary significantly from case to case, which influences the patient’s outlook. When a biphasic tumor has a greater number of epithelial cells, survival is generally better.

What Are the Most Common Mesothelioma Symptoms?

Unfortunately, asbestosis and mesothelioma symptoms, mirror many other types of lung-related diseases. Symptoms can be different based on the type of cancer and can be vague and mild even as the disease progresses into a later stage. Early signs can be so slight that they are mistaken as normal aches and pains or symptoms of other illnesses, making asbestos-related cancer hard to detect.

Dry Cough or Wheezing
Shortness of Breath
(dyspnea)
Respiratory Complications
or Difficulty Breathing
Pain in the Chest or Abdomen
Fever
Pleural Effusions
Anemia
Muscle Weakness
Chest Pain
Weight Loss
Respiratory Complications

Symptoms or signs of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years (or more) after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion) are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

The most common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other features may include weight loss, fever, night sweats, poor appetite, vomiting, constipation, and umbilical hernia. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face

Chest wall pain
Pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
Shortness of breath
Fatigue or anemia
Wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up (hemoptysis)
Abdominal pain
Ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen
A mass in the abdomen
Problems with bowel function
Weight loss
Blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis
Disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs
Jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin
Low blood sugar level
Pleural effusion
Pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs
Severe ascites

Most Common Mesothelioma Cell Types

Epithelial Mesothelioma

Accounting for 50 to 70 percent of all cases, epithelial mesothelioma is by far the most common histological subtype. Compared with other cell types, epithelial mesothelioma typically responds best to treatment. It is therefore associated with the best survival.

Papillary mesothelioma, also known as well-differentiated papillary mesothelioma (WDPM), is a rare subtype of epithelial mesothelioma. WDPM is considered a benign type of mesothelioma that grows slowly and responds well to treatment. It most commonly occurs in the abdomen of women, but can develop in the pleura as well.

Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma

The least common of the three major histological subtypes, sarcomatoid mesothelioma is observed in about 10 to 20 percent of all cases. Because this subtype is particularly aggressive, survival is usually poor.

Biphasic Mesothelioma

In about 20 to 35 percent of cases, mesothelioma tumors contain a mix of epithelial and sarcomatoid cells. This subtype is called biphasic mesothelioma. The ratio of epithelial to biphasic cells can vary significantly from case to case, which influences the patient’s outlook. When a biphasic tumor has a greater number of epithelial cells, survival is generally better.

Mesothelioma (malignant mesothelioma) Types?

1. Pleural (lungs)
2. Peritoneal (abdomen)
3. Pericardial (heart)
4. Testicular

Pleural and peritoneal are the most common types, comprising nearly 90 percent of all diagnoses.

Primary Cause of All Mesothelioma Types
All the different types and subtypes of this disease share one common thread. They are caused primarily by a prolonged exposure to asbestos, usually in the workplace. If a doctor suspects that you have any form of mesothelioma, you should think back through your work background to find a connection to when you worked with or around asbestos materials and products.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma develops in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. This type represents approximately 75 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Although symptoms may vary, the most common pleural mesothelioma symptoms include:

Shortness of breath
Persistent dry cough
Persistent chest pain
Difficulty swallowing
Night sweats / fever
Fatigue

reatment for pleural mesothelioma largely depends on the stage of the cancer, which doctors use to describe how far it has progressed. When mesothelioma is diagnosed at an early stage, potentially curative surgery may be an option for patients

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the mesothelial lining of the abdomen, known as the peritoneum. Approximately 20 percent of all mesothelioma cases are peritoneal. Common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

Gastrointestinal icon
Abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling
Weight loss
Nausea / vomiting
Constipation or diarrhea
Fatigue

Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma may have symptoms caused by thickening of the peritoneal membrane and the build-up of fluid. Because peritoneal mesothelioma spreads throughout the body faster than other types of mesothelioma, treatment may be difficult. 

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma develops on the exterior lining of the heart, known as the pericardium. This type of mesothelioma is rare and accounts for about 1 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Symptoms develop when fluid builds up in the spaces between the layers of the pericardium. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms include:

heart organ icon
Irregular Heartbeat
Chest Pain
Difficulty Breathing
Coughing
Night Sweats / Fever
Fatigue

As with other types of mesothelioma, doctors most commonly treat pericardial mesothelioma with palliative therapies that relieve symptoms. Removing pericardial tumors with surgery is risky because they grow so close to the heart.

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis, the lining of the testes. This is the rarest type of mesothelioma, accounting for less than 1 percent of all cases. Many patients are diagnosed while receiving surgery or treatment for another condition.

Because of the rarity of this type, it has been difficult for medical researchers to come up with a complete list of symptoms. The two main indicators of this cancer are painless testicular lumps and swelling of the scrotum. This form of mesothelioma is usually not diagnosed until lumps develop.

Testicular mesothelioma patients may undergo surgery to remove all or part of the affected testicle. Doctors sometimes recommend adjuvant therapy, which involves chemotherapy or radiation therapy after the surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.