The mesothelium is a layer of body tissue that surrounds many critical organs. Mesothelioma is any cancer that grows in this tissue. It can grow in the tissue around the lungs, which is known as pleural mesothelioma. The Mayo Clinic reports that patients might show symptoms of chest pain, painful coughing, shortness of breath, or even lumps under the skin of the chest.
Mesothelioma can also grow in the lining of the abdomen. This condition is called peritoneal mesothelioma, and it is usually identified by pain or swelling in the abdomen. In rare cases, mesothelioma can even grow in the lining around the heart, called pericardial mesothelioma. There are many secondary diseases that a person can develop as a result of mesothelioma.
Pleural mesotheliomas can contribute to fluid buildup in the lungs or even collapsed lungs. Patients might also develop infections in the affected area of the body. Pain and discomfort are almost universal in these cases, which, in turn, causes many patients to experience anxiety and depression. If a defendant is legally responsible for causing your mesothelioma, they are also responsible for conditions that occur as a result of the cancer.