Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is lung cancer caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. Pleural mesothelioma accounts for about two thirds of all mesothelioma cases and is always malignant.
When asbestos is airborne, it can become lodged in various places throughout the body. Asbestos gets trapped in mesothelium which is a natural protective dual layer that surrounds many cavities and organs throughout the body. One such area is the pleural cavity where the lungs are located. Pleural mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get trapped in between the two layers of the mesothelium.
Asbestos fibers are inhaled and end up lodging themselves into the pleural cavities mesothelium. Once there, the body is unable to rid itself of these fibers and can ultimately cause pleural mesothelioma after many years of constant irritation.
As these fibers remain, a change occurs within the pleural mesothelial cells which cause them to rapidly divide. The walls of the pleural cavity become thickened, and create excess fluid buildup. Pleural mesothelioma is the result of this abnormal, rapid cellular growth which causes the formation of cancerous tumors. It can take years for pleural mesothelioma tumors to develop, therefore, it is often not until 20 plus years later that sufferers are diagnosed.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
Since pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs, common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma:
In order to be diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a patient must first recognize the symptoms and go to the doctor for testing. The doctor will do a full examination and look into your history for possible asbestos exposure. The examination will possibly include chest x-rays, CT scan or MRI, lung capacity tests, and a biopsy. A biopsy is necessary for diagnosis. The doctor will look for thickening of the pleural wall and also fluid buildup.
Treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma
Like any form of mesothelioma, it is often years after exposure that people are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. Once diagnosed treatment will begin and can include any of the following techniques:
- Surgery to remove the tumor
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Alternative therapies
If you have been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma and would like to file an asbestos claim, contact an experienced asbestos attorney today.
Tags: Pleural Mesothelioma