Pleural Mesothelioma is one of the forms of the malignant rare cancer that can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos. Of the thousands of cases of malignant mesothelioma annually, two thirds are usually pleural mesothelioma. “Pleural” in the term pleural mesothelioma refers to the pleura, or the lining of the lungs. This pleural membrane is made up of mesothelial cells and is divided into the parietal (or outer) and visceral (or inner) layers.
With pleural mesothelioma, asbestos fibers are inhaled and the pleural membrane can not expel them. Eventually, these asbestos cells cause damage to the cells, and begin to form tumors or scarring of the lungs. Once cancerous, the pleural membranes start to thicken and fluid and lowered lung capacity is the result. Pleural mesothelioma is a serious form of cancer that is often misdiagnosed for a number of reasons. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are very general usually, and can be mistaken for the flu, pneumonia, or even bronchitis.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are a result of the thickening of the membranes and the resulting fluid retention. These problems eventually put pressure on the lungs and tax the respiratory system overall. Breathing becomes harder with the reduced lung capacity typical of pleural mesothelioma. This can lead to a number of more general symptoms as well.
Hemoptysis, or coughing blood can develop as a symptom of pleural mesothelioma. This is usually accompanied by a dry cough that is persistent and irritating. Other common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, night sweats, fever, weight loss, fatigue, and even pain in the chest or ribcage area. Pleural mesothelioma can have any mix of any or all of these symptoms. General respiratory problems are often a hallmark for pleural mesothelioma.
With the symptoms being so common to many other problems that are much less severe, pleural mesothelioma is not especially easy to diagnose quickly. This cancer is latent for a very long time, and usually builds over time. This means that people often are not diagnosed until the later stages of pleural mesothelioma. When the pleural mesothelioma is diagnosed, and at what stage it is in, is the biggest indicator of prognosis.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most well studied form of mesothelioma by far. This is largely due to the fact that it is the most common form of mesothelioma. Treatments for pleural mesothelioma have come a long way, and most people can extend their lives for years after a reasonably early diagnosis. Common forms of treatment include radiation, surgery and chemotherapy. These treatments can help to fight this aggressive form of cancer with increasing success as we learn more and more about pleural mesothelioma.
Symptoms of mesothelioma are non-specific, especially during their latent stages. That is, they share characteristics with other types of illnesses such as viral pneumonia, asthma, allergies, cardiovascular problems, flu, bronchitis, etc.
Comment by Shahawaii — March 24, 2009 @ 12:51 am