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Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a rare and malignant cancer caused
by asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma tumors form in the pleura, a thin membrane
of cells that line the lungs and chest wall.
How Is Pleural Mesothelioma Unique?
As the
most common
type of asbestos-related cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma
accounts for approximately 80 – 90 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Pleural
mesothelioma differs from other types in four primary ways:
Location: Pleural
mesothelioma is located in the linings of the lungs and the chest wall, known
as the pleura.
Symptoms: As the disease
mostly affects the lungs, the primary symptoms affect the respiratory system,
such as shortness of breath, or the thoracic cavity, such as chest pain.
Treatment: The standard
treatment for pleural mesothelioma is surgery, which often includes removal of
some or all of the pleura and possibly part of the lung, combined with
chemotherapy and/or radiation.
Survival: The prognosis
for pleural mesothelioma is poor, with a median survival time of about 1 year.
However, there are cases of long-term survival, in some cases as long as 20
years.
What is the Prognosis for Pleural Mesothelioma?
As with
all types of mesothelioma, prognosis for pleural mesothelioma is relatively
poor. For patients who do not receive treatment, the median survival is only
six months; however, certain types of treatment can improve life expectancy
significantly.
The biggest
factors affecting the prognosis of pleural mesothelioma patients are:
·
Tumor size and staging
·
Cell type (histopathology)
·
Patient’s gender and age
Stage of the cancer
What are the Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma?
Anywhere from 20 to 50 years can pass between the time a person
is exposed to asbestos and when pleural mesothelioma symptoms begin to appear.
Once symptoms do begin to occur, they often show up first in the chest and
respiratory system, although some symptoms (like weight loss or fever) can be
systemic.
Pleural mesothelioma can also be accompanied by a set of other
conditions that could display symptoms of their own. These include:
Pleural plaque – a chalky substance that forms on the lungs due
to calcification
Diffuse pleural thickening (DPT) – Gray, fibrous tissue that
fills in pleural spaces
Asbestosis – Scarring of the lungs (fibrosis)
These conditions may also occur on their own in individuals who
do not have pleural mesothelioma.
How is Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
The first step is usually to perform one or more imaging tests
(x-ray, CT scans, PET, or MRI) to identify potential tumors. If such a tumor is
detected, one or more blood tests may be performed to look for certain
biomarkers (high levels of specific substances in the blood). If these tests point
toward the possibility of mesothelioma, the diagnosis will need to be verified
through a biopsy – usually through a thoracoscopy, thoracotomy, thoracentesis,
or mediastinoscopy.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a rare and malignant cancer caused by
asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma tumors form in the pleura, a thin membrane of
cells that line the lungs and chest wall.
Parts of the Lung Affected by Pleural Mesothelioma
Parts of the Lung Affected by Pleural Mesothelioma
How Is Pleural Mesothelioma Unique?
As the most common type of asbestos-related cancer, malignant
pleural mesothelioma accounts for approximately 80 – 90 percent of all
mesothelioma cases. Pleural mesothelioma differs from other types in four
primary ways:
Location: Pleural mesothelioma is located in the linings of the
lungs and the chest wall, known as the pleura.
Symptoms: As the disease mostly affects the lungs, the primary
symptoms affect the respiratory system, such as shortness of breath, or the thoracic
cavity, such as chest pain.
Treatment: The standard treatment for pleural mesothelioma is
surgery, which often includes removal of some or all of the pleura and possibly
part of the lung, combined with chemotherapy and/or radiation.
Survival: The prognosis for pleural mesothelioma is poor, with a
median survival time of about 1 year. However, there are cases of long-term
survival, in some cases as long as 20 years.
What You Need to Know About Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of asbestos-related
cancer.
About 2,500 people are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma each
year.
Standard treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and
radiation.
Cause
Asbestos inhalation
Location
Lung/chest lining (pleura)
Common Symptoms
Chest pain
Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
Pleural effusion (fluid buildup)
Treatment
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation
Prognosis
6 – 12 months
What is the Prognosis for Pleural Mesothelioma?
As with all types of mesothelioma, prognosis for pleural
mesothelioma is relatively poor. For patients who do not receive treatment, the
median survival is only six months; however, certain types of treatment can
improve life expectancy significantly.
The biggest factors affecting the prognosis of pleural
mesothelioma patients are:
Tumor size and staging
Cell type (histopathology)
Patient’s gender and age
Stage of the cancer
Resources for Pleural Mesothelioma Patients
Request a Free Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment Guide
Connect with Top Mesothelioma Oncologists
Locate the Nearest Comprehensive Cancer Center
Sign up for Our Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment Alert
Support a Loved One Diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma
Financial Assistance Available to Help with Treatment Costs
What are the Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma?
Anywhere from 20 to 50 years can pass between the time a person
is exposed to asbestos and when pleural mesothelioma symptoms begin to appear.
Once symptoms do begin to occur, they often show up first in the chest and
respiratory system, although some symptoms (like weight loss or fever) can be
systemic.
Common SymptomsLess Common Symptoms
Common Symptoms
Chest pain
Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
Fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion)
Dry cough
Pleural mesothelioma can also be accompanied by a set of other
conditions that could display symptoms of their own. These include:
Pleural plaque – a chalky substance that forms on the lungs due
to calcification
Diffuse pleural thickening (DPT) – Gray, fibrous tissue that
fills in pleural spaces
Asbestosis – Scarring of the lungs (fibrosis)
These conditions may also occur on their own in individuals who
do not have pleural mesothelioma.
SUPPORT A LOVED ONE WITH PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA
How is Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
The first step is usually to perform one or more imaging tests
(x-ray, CT scans, PET, or MRI) to identify potential tumors. If such a tumor is
detected, one or more blood tests may be performed to look for certain
biomarkers (high levels of specific substances in the blood). If these tests
point toward the possibility of mesothelioma, the diagnosis will need to be
verified through a biopsy – usually through a thoracoscopy, thoracotomy,
thoracentesis, or mediastinoscopy.
Mesothelioma Treatment GuideREQUEST TREATMENT GUIDE
Free PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA Treatment Guide
Our packet will be sent to you within 24 hours
Read more about:
Diagnosing and Staging Pleural Mesothelioma
Top Pleural Mesothelioma Doctors in your area
New and Emerging Treatment Methods
The Latest Clinical Trials
Support Resources for Patients and Families
What Treatments are Available for Pleural Mesothelioma?
All types of mesothelioma are treated using a combination of
three types of therapy:
Surgery – Cytoreduction surgery (also called “debulking”) is
often performed with the intent of removing as many cancer cells as possible.
Chemotherapy – A combination of chemotherapy drugs (usually
pemetrexed [Alimta] and Cisplatin) are administered to kill remaining tumor
cells.
Radiation – A blast of targeted radiation therapy to shrink
tumors in the body.
Costs Related to Pleural Mesothelioma
As with all types of cancer, pleural mesothelioma treatment
costs can be extremely high. The costs associated with the disease can be
lumped into several categories:
Diagnostic testing costs
Treatment expenses
Follow-up and recovery costs
How much an individual (and their family) spends on mesothelioma
will likely depend on a variety of factors, such as the exact diagnosis, the
stage when the disease is diagnosed, what is covered by insurance, and even
where the patient resides.
Because asbestos is the only scientifically proven cause of
pleural mesothelioma, those who are diagnosed with this deadly cancer may be
able to receive legal compensation for many different things, from lost income
to medical costs, as well as damages for pain and suffering related to the
disease. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, you should strongly consider
taking steps to help offset this potential financial burden.
Learn more about the financial assistance that is available if
you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. Financial
aid options available to you can include mesothelioma trust funds as well as
grants to cover travel, treatment and housing.
You can also explore your legal rights to compensation from
asbestos companies liable for your exposure to asbestos.
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