Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, otherwise known as the (lung) pleura.
Do not confuse it with lung cancer. This disease only affects the lining (pleura). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common of mesothelioma cancers, accounting for 75% of cases. Like all mesotheliomas, it is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres. These lodge themselves in the lung pleura. As time progresses the fibres lead to chronic inflammation. This in turn causes the growth of cancerous tumors.
Pleural mesotheliomas normally affects two particular surfaces of the pleura. These are known as the parietal surface and the visceral surface. The former is closer to the lung whilst the latter is on the outside. Usually it is the right lung that is affected the most due to its larger surface area, and hence, larger pleural surface area. During diagnosis large tumor growths are seen in the pleura, which can completely obliterate the lung cavity in the later stages of the disease. From the pleura the disease can spread onto other vital organs such as the heart. It can also invade the lymph nodes and the blood system.
When it comes to the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, they are somewhat similar to those of peritoneal mesothelioma, with patients experiencing chest pains. However, this pain is usually felt in the upper abdomen or even the shoulders. Other symptoms include coughing, weight loss and even anorexia, believe it or not ! Patients can also experience shortness of breath.
The tumors grow quickly and cause the pleural space to enlarge, filling it with fluid. It is this fluid that leads to the discomfort and pain felt by patients.
Unfortunately, the survival rate of patients who are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma is low. The median (survival) rate is only 242 days. Mesothelioma has three types of cells: epitheloid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. It is the patients with the biphasic cell type that have the shortest life expectancy.
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