Types of Mesothelioma Common in Houston
Mesothelioma Attorneys Serving Patients Throughout Houston, TX
Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer caused almost exclusively by asbestos exposure—a risk faced by countless Houston workers in industries like oil and gas, shipping, construction, and manufacturing. At Robins Cloud LLP, our attorneys are committed to helping individuals and families in Houston understand their diagnosis and explore legal options for justice and compensation.
Call our Houston meso lawyers at (888) 495-1250 or reach out online to pursue compensation and get help accessing top mesothelioma treatment in your area.
Understanding Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that lines most internal organs. It is almost always linked to inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers. Unfortunately, mesothelioma can take decades—often 20 to 50 years—to develop after exposure, making early detection difficult.
Roughly 3,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Houston’s industrial history makes it a hotspot for asbestos-related diseases.
Four Main Types of Mesothelioma
1. Pleural Mesothelioma
Most Common Type – Over 85% of All Cases
Affected Area: Lining of the lungs and chest cavity (pleura)
Symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion)
- Fatigue or unexplained weight loss
Why It’s Common in Houston:
Workers in Houston's refineries, shipyards, chemical plants, and construction
trades frequently handled asbestos-containing materials used for insulation,
gaskets, and fireproofing. Many were unknowingly exposed for years.
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Second Most Common – Around 10% of Cases
Affected Area: Lining of the abdomen (peritoneum)
Symptoms:
- Abdominal swelling or pain
- Digestive issues
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
Local Risk Factors:
Houston workers exposed to airborne asbestos dust in factories, machinery
rooms, or during home or commercial renovations may later develop peritoneal
mesothelioma.
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma
Very Rare – Less than 1% of Cases
Affected Area: Lining around the heart (pericardium)
Symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Breathing difficulties
- Fluid buildup around the heart
This rare form is often misdiagnosed and discovered only during autopsies or heart surgeries.
4. Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis (Testicular Mesothelioma)
Extremely Rare
Affected Area: Lining of the testicles
Symptoms:
- Scrotal swelling
- Localized pain or lumps
Diagnosis is difficult and often delayed since symptoms may mimic other, less serious conditions.
Mesothelioma Cell Types and Their Impact on Treatment
Mesothelioma is further classified by the type of cancerous cells involved, which can significantly affect prognosis and treatment planning:
- Epithelioid Mesothelioma – Most common and most responsive to treatment; better survival rates.
- Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma – Rarer and more aggressive; poor response to therapy.
- Biphasic Mesothelioma – Contains both cell types; prognosis varies based on which cell type dominates.
A biopsy is required to determine the cell type and guide treatment decisions.
Common Causes of Mesothelioma in Houston
1. Occupational Asbestos Exposure
Houston’s economy has long relied on industries where asbestos was heavily used:
- Oil refineries
- Petrochemical plants
- Shipbuilding and maritime trades
- Industrial and commercial construction
- HVAC and plumbing
Employees often worked without protective equipment or asbestos warnings.
2. Secondary Asbestos Exposure
Family members of asbestos workers in Houston have also developed mesothelioma from washing contaminated clothes or spending time near asbestos-exposed individuals.
3. Environmental and Legacy Exposure
Older buildings, schools, and public facilities in Houston still contain asbestos in insulation, ceiling tiles, and flooring materials, posing ongoing risks during renovations or demolitions.
Mesothelioma Treatment Options in Houston
While there is no cure for mesothelioma, early treatment can extend survival and improve quality of life. Common therapies include:
- Surgery to remove tumors or affected tissue
- Thoracentesis or Paracentesis to drain excess fluid
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy or clinical trials, often available at top Houston cancer centers
Multimodal treatment (a combination of therapies) is often recommended based on cancer stage and overall health.
Legal Help for Houston Mesothelioma Victims
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Houston, you may be eligible for significant compensation. Victims have recovered millions in verdicts and settlements to cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and end-of-life costs
At Robins Cloud LLP, our mesothelioma lawyers have decades of experience holding negligent companies accountable. We operate on a contingency basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Robins Cloud LLP – Houston Mesothelioma Lawyers
Don’t wait to take action. The statute of limitations in Texas could limit your right to compensation. Contact our Houston mesothelioma attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. If you're unable to travel, we can come to you—anywhere in Houston or across the U.S.
Call (888) 495-1250or message us online to speak with a lawyer who understands what you’re going through.