Disease Types
Pleural vs. Peritoneal Mesothelioma
A high-level comparison of the two best-known forms of mesothelioma and how location changes common symptoms and medical context.
Mesothelioma is named by the tissue where it develops. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining around the lungs, while peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen. Federal incidence reporting shows pleural disease is the more common form. CDC
National Cancer Institute materials note that chest-related disease may present with symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, or pain under the rib cage, while abdominal disease may involve abdominal pain or swelling, constipation, and fatigue. NCI