* Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium (a membrane that lines many of the body’s organs and cavities). In the case of pleural mesothelioma, the cancer develops in the lining of the lungs, called the pleura or pleural membrane. Although a mesothelioma prognosis is typically poor for the majority of patients, some who are diagnosed early may qualify for a combination of aggressive therapies to improve life expectancy.
- Mesothelioma of the Lung
The pleura is comprised of two layers, which provide support and protection for the lungs and chest cavity. The outer layer, or the parietal layer, lines the entire chest cavity and the diaphragm. The inner layer, or visceral layer, covers the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma typically develops in one layer, but can metastasize, or spread, to the other layer. If the cancer spreads to distant locations, the mesothelioma prognosis can become poorer.
Like all mesothelioma cancers, pleural mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure and develops when the toxic asbestos fibers become trapped in the spaces between the mesothelial cells.
- Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Once trapped in the body, asbestos fibers cause cancerous cells to divide abnormally, resulting in the thickening of the pleural membrane. This has the potential to encourage build-up of fluid (called pleural effusion). The fluid begins to place pressure on the lungs and the respiratory system in general, preventing normal breathing. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are largely caused by these developments and may include the following:
- Persistent dry or raspy cough
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
- Shortness of breath that occurs even when at rest (dyspnea)
- Persistent pain in the chest or rib area, or painful breathing
- Development of lumps under the skin on the chest
- Night sweats or fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
Pleural mesothelioma specifically develops in the pleural lining of the lungs. |
- Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis
As with other types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because symptoms do not typically arise for some time after initial asbestos exposure occurs. Additionally, since the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are typical of many illnesses, the condition is often mistaken for less threatening diseases such as influenza and pneumonia.
X-rays or CT-Scans are often used to diagnose pleural mesothelioma. |
- Pleural Mesothelioma Treatments
The on-going development of new drugs and detection techniques is improving the outlook for patients with pleural mesothelioma. Since pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the cancer, more research and knowledge about this type of mesothelioma is available to utilize when discussing a treatment plan.
In general, pleural mesothelioma patients have three options: surgery, chemotherapy andradiation therapy. Typically, patients will receive a combination of two or more of these types of treatment.
Understanding available treatment options is very important to patients and their loved ones. We offer a complimentary informational packet detailing treatment options for pleural mesothelioma patients. Click here to receive your packet overnight or call 800-615-2270 to speak with a patient and family advocate available at no charge to answer questions and offer guidance.
Early detection of pleural mesothelioma can significantly improve a patient's mesothelioma prognosis and treatment options. If the disease is diagnosed early enough, surgery to remove localized tumors followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy can be an effective treatment. Curative surgery candidates must be in a good general state of health, and their cancer must not have spread beyond localized sections of the lungs.
- Mesothelioma Prognosis
When mesothelioma is diagnosed before the cancer has greatly progressed, a patient is typically in the first stages of mesothelioma. Doctors typically address the seriousness of cancer in terms of stages ranging from one to four, with the level of the cancer’s progression increasing with each stage. Patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in stage one or two generally have greater treatment options and a better prognosis.
According to some current studies, approximately 10 percent of all pleural mesothelioma patients will survive for three to five years following diagnosis, and about 5 percent will survive five years or more.
Pleural mesothelioma patients who are not diagnosed early enough for curative treatment have fewer treatment options, mostly limited to palliative treatments, designed to relieve pain and discomfort to improve a patient's quality of life, rather than their prognosis. Palliative treatments include removal of built-up fluid from the pleural spaces, and surgical removal of tumors to relieve pressure on the lungs.
- How Does Asbestos Cause Pleural Mesothelioma?
In cases of pleural mesothelioma,asbestos exposure occurs via inhalation of asbestos fibers. Once these fibers have entered the lungs, they work their way to the pleural membrane, and the body experiences great difficulty in expelling the fibers. Over a long period of time - typically two decades or more - asbestos fibers cause changes in these pleural cells, which may cause scarring of the lungs and, eventually, the formation of tumors.
When pleural cells become cancerous, they are no longer regulated by the mechanisms that control division of normal healthy cells. They begin to divide continuously, and this causes thickening of pleural membranes. As a result, lung capacity is reduced, and fluid begins to build up between pleural layers.
- Get a Second Opinion
Mesothelioma patients are encouraged to get a second opinion or at least find a specialist to advise them on treatment options. The Mesothelioma Center's Doctor Match Program helps put patients in touch with top doctors together. Call (800) 549-0544.
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