Mesothelioma Resources

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma cancer. The disease causes abnormal growth of the cells of the pleurum, which is a series of tissues that covers and protects the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. It is caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos, and typically takes decades to develop. The pleurum, which malignant pleural mesothelioma affects, like the peritoneum, is a membrane that secretes a small amount of fluid for lubrication of the organ it protects – the lungs – so that they may move about more easily in the chest while breathing. It covers a large area, and is essential for proper breathing function.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are similar to other types of mesothelioma, and they include shortness of breath, pain, nausea, and unexplained weight loss. A difference is that the location of the pain and possible distention is in the chest area rather than the abdomen (like peritoneal mesothelioma). This is because pleural cancer causes the pleurum to overproduce this fluid in the chest as the cells divide abnormally, causing serious problems such as shortness of breath or pain in the chest, especially as fluid builds up to the point of distension or pushing the lungs into a nerve cluster.

This disease must be diagnosed in the very early stages in order to have a high survival rate. Like other forms of mesothelioma, this disease unfortunately is often diagnosed in the later stages, and at that point is usually fatal. If possible, those who have been exposed to asbestos in the past and are still asymptomatic should go to a doctor to receive regular pulmonary examinations to check for irregularities. More treatment options are viable at an early stage, including possibly surgery to remove the affected area of the pleurum if it is still isolated. [Brandon: hot link treatment options to our article on treatment options] Taking care of respiratory health, including avoiding unnecessary pulmonary infections and quitting smoking, is also critical to living as well as possible with this disease.