Pleural Mesothelioma Cancer
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the pleural membrane of the lungs. It is a deadly and rare disease that is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos, an insulation and fire-retardant material that was once widely used in construction, insulation and shipbuilding industries.
Asbestos and Pleural Mesothelioma
Asbestos causes mesothelioma when small shards of the material break into the air. These shards are inhaled and become lodged in the pleura, where they can cause cancer. Pleural mesothelioma usually starts with one of the two pleural layers surrounding the lungs, but it may spread over time to other tissues and organs.
Most cases of pleural mesothelioma occur in patients who have worked or lived around asbestos for decades. As tiny fibers of asbestos can cause the damage that leads to cancer, family members of industrial workers and shipbuilders can also be at risk, as asbestos fibers can be trapped in the clothing and released into the air at home. Many buildings may also have asbestos, and without testing, it can be difficult to determine whether or not a building has carcinogenic asbestos.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of cancer caused by asbestos, as inhalation of asbestos fibers is more likely to affect the pleura than other organs and tissues.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Early detection of pleural mesothelioma can be very difficult unless an individual knows that he or she was exposed to asbestos and undergoes regular screenings. By the time that symptoms develop, patients usually have an advanced form of the disease.
Symptoms are caused when the pleural layer surrounding the lungs becomes filled with fluid or when inflammation makes it difficult for a patient to breathe.
Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Frequently coughing or frequent breathing difficulties
- A lack of energy (fatigue) and restlessness
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
These symptoms can indicate any of several respiratory conditions, and an MRI must be used to accurately diagnose pleural mesothelioma.
Treatment Options for Pleural Mesothelioma
Most cases of mesothelioma are caught when the disease has already progressed to one of its later stages, and unfortunately, pleural mesothelioma does not usually have a positive prognosis.
Surgery and radiation therapy can be effective at reducing or extracting tumors and in preventing pleural effusion. Chemotherapy may also be used, and in many instances, patients will have a course of treatment that combines several of these. However, treatment is most effective in stage one or two of pleural mesothelioma, and usually is not curative if the cancer has spread to other organs or tissues.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, so there may be more treatment options for patients with pleural mesothelioma than patients with other types of mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma Patient Rights
Since pleural mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, patients can seek damages to help pay for the costs of the disease. Contact a physician today for more information about asbestos exposure, mesothelioma treatment options and patients' rights.