Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is classified by the location where it develops in the body. Each type has distinct symptoms, treatment approaches, and prognosis. Understanding your specific type is critical for making informed decisions about treatment and legal claims.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Lining of the lungs (pleura) — Approximately 75% of all mesothelioma cases

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of this aggressive cancer, developing in the thin membrane (pleura) that surrounds the lungs. It is almost exclusively caused by inhaling asbestos fibers, which become lodged in the pleural tissue and cause cellular damage over decades.

Persistent dry cough or wheezingShortness of breath, even during restChest pain or tightness, often under the rib cageUnexplained weight loss and fatigue

Average Settlement

$1 million – $2.4 million

Prognosis

Median survival is 12–21 months after diagnosis, though some patients with early-stage disease who receive aggressive treatment have survived 5 years or more.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) — Approximately 20% of all mesothelioma cases

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, the thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity. It is the second most common form of mesothelioma and is linked to asbestos exposure, either through ingesting asbestos fibers or through fibers that migrate from the lungs to the abdomen.

Abdominal pain and swellingAscites (fluid buildup in the abdomen)Unexplained weight lossNausea and vomiting

Average Settlement

$1 million – $2.5 million

Prognosis

Peritoneal mesothelioma has shown improved outcomes with HIPEC treatment.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Lining of the heart (pericardium) — Less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases

Pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the pericardium, the protective membrane surrounding the heart. It accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases. Due to its rarity and the critical location near the heart, treatment options are limited.

Chest pain, particularly behind the sternumIrregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)Heart palpitationsDifficulty breathing, especially when lying down

Average Settlement

$1 million – $2.8 million (higher per-case due to severity)

Prognosis

Pericardial mesothelioma has the poorest prognosis of all types.

Testicular Mesothelioma

Lining of the testes (tunica vaginalis) — Less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases (fewer than 100 cases documented)

Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma, developing in the tunica vaginalis — the membrane that lines the testes. With fewer than 100 documented cases in medical literature, it is an extraordinarily uncommon cancer. Despite its rarity, asbestos exposure has been identified as a risk factor.

Painless testicular lump or swellingHydrocele (fluid buildup in the scrotum)Scrotal swelling or heavinessPain or discomfort in the testicle or scrotum

Average Settlement

$1 million – $2.5 million

Prognosis

Testicular mesothelioma has a relatively better prognosis compared to other mesothelioma types when treated surgically.