Pleural Mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma and accounts for about 75 percent of all diagnosed mesothelioma cases. It attacks the thin membrane surrounding the lungs and chest hollow, termed the pleura. Pleural mesothelioma is often misunderstood as lung cancer, which can also be caused by asbestos exposure. However, it is a cancer of the pleura and not a lung cancer. Similar to other mesothelioma forms, pleural mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose in the early stages due to its long-latency period. By the time the cancer is detected, it has already progressed to its advanced stages and curative treatment methods are not an option. Also, due to the fact that the cancer can lie dormant for about 20-50 years after the initial exposure to asbestos, people with mesothelioma are often above 55-60 years of age and suffer from multiple health conditions.
Causes of Pleural Mesothelioma
The primary cause of pleural mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. The naturally-obtained fibrous mineral is used in a variety of industrial and construction settings. Once these dangerous particles are inhaled or ingested, they make their way into the lung passage and subsequently into the pleura. Accumulation of these fibers in the pleura over a period of time leads to the development of uncomfortable symptoms such as pleural effusion, which inhibits the smooth operation of the lungs and weakens the body's defense functions. The mesothelial cells located within the pleura start growing and dividing abnormally, causing cancerous formations throughout the region.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pleural mesothelioma is a dose-dependent illness, meaning the longer the duration and intensity of exposure to asbestos, the greater are an individual's chances of acquiring it. Pleural mesothelioma's symptoms are not every specific unless they are strongly linked to asbestos exposure. Some of the most commonly known pleural mesothelioma symptoms are - breathlessness or shortness of breath, dry cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, pleural effusion (build-up of fluid between the pleura walls) and fever accompanied by night sweats and chills.
Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Diagnosing pleural mesothelioma is tricky due to its non-specific symptoms and the fact that it is a relatively rare form of cancer that can lie latent for decades after the initial cause. The most likely first step for any doctor involved in the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is a thorough physical examination and determination of patient history. Patients should proactively mention their asbestos-occupation history, if not quizzed about the same by the doctor to help him/her establish a better link between asbestos exposure and the development of symptoms. The next step can be an x-ray of the chest to detect signs of pleura effusions, scarring and formation of masses. On discovering suspicious masses or fluids, doctors may ask for more sensitive and sophisticated imaging techniques such as a CT, CAT scan or MRI. Though these techniques offer a more definitive idea about the size, location and invasion of the tumor, they still do not give doctors an accurate diagnosis about whether the mesothelioma has spread (metastasized) into the lymph, muscles and other body tissues. A thoracentesis and/or biopsy may be ordered by the physician based on the results of the CT/CAT/MRI.
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