Pleural Mesothelioma: Separating Fact from Fiction

Pleural mesothelioma is not a term that is familiar to a lot of people. Among some individuals it is often referred to as secondary lung cancer or asbestos lung cancer. Often however, these alternative terms can be a little confusing. Mesothelioma of the pleura is a rare disease that is entirely different from lung cancer.

What It Is

Mesothelioma of the pleura is a form of cancer. It is not however entirely correct to call it a form of lung cancer. The reason why it is often thought to be so is because this type of cancer develops very closely to the lungs. What is actually affected though is not the lungs but the lining of the lungs known as pleura. Like other forms of cancer, the cancer cells originating from the lining can travel to other cells.

There are other forms of mesothelioma. It is generally a rare form of cancer. The most common type of mesothelioma is the pleural type. Other types of the condition include those that affect the lining of the abdomen and the heart.

Causes

People who are at risk of pleural mesothelioma are those who are often exposed to asbestos. The fibers of asbestos can inhaled. From the respiratory tract, the fibers can move to the lining. After some time, the presence of asbestos can cause inflammation and trigger cancer cells to multiply. There are various ways through which asbestos can be inhaled. It is often assumed though that work related exposure is among the biggest risk factors.

Symptoms

Since it affects the lining of the lungs, one can imagine possible symptoms. A person with this condition may find it difficult or painful to breathe. Chest pain and coughing may also be experienced. These common symptoms however are often also the possible symptoms of a variety of other conditions. Only your doctor’s diagnosis can truly confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Diagnosis and Treatment

You may have to undergo x-rays, MRI scans and CT scans. These alone however are not enough to confirm mesothelioma of the pleural type. Biopsies would have to be performed to make sure that there truly are cancer cells.

Mesothelioma in general may be treated with surgery. In most cases however of the pleural type, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are called for.

Pleural mesothelioma is considered quite deadly. Some patients may not live longer than a year. If you are at any particular risk of asbestos exposure, be sure to take the necessary precautions.