Pleural Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos. The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma – a cancer that affects the inner lining between the lungs and the chest cavity.
 
Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to the mineral asbestos. In most cases of mesothelioma, exposure occurs at a worksite where asbestos is present, but it may also occur in other areas with a high concentration of the mineral or from breathing in fibers from the clothing of someone working at a location with a high concentration of asbestos.

Mesothelioma is also known for its long latency period. That means that it may take anywhere from 15 to 50 years for mesothelioma to develop, and there have been almost no reported cases of mesothelioma within a decade of exposure. As a result, mesothelioma is harder to diagnose and treat, because the development of symptoms is so far removed from the initial exposure. Also, many symptoms may not show up until the disease is already in its advanced stages.

Signs and Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

• Painful or difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain and/or lumps on the chest.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Persistent cough or coughing up blood.
• General fatigue and weight loss.

How is Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Diagnosing pleural mesothelioma is a process, as the symptoms are very similar to symptoms of other types of illnesses. It is very important that you tell your doctor right away if you or someone you are close to was exposed to asbestos, as this will alert the doctor that they should be looking for mesothelioma cancer.

Your doctor will check for masses and other signs that you may have an issue with your lungs. If the doctor is concerned about mesothelioma, you will also likely be sent to a pulmonologist for further testing. Should mesothelioma be a concern, you will likely go through some or all of the following tests:

• Biopsy

The most effective test for detecting mesothelioma is a thoracoscopy known as a pleuroscopy – a type of biopsy that creates a very small and non-invasive incision on your lungs to collect tissue samples for analysis. Other types of biopsies may be used if the initial sample was inconclusive or if there is concern that the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

• Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are not necessarily a conclusive way to diagnose mesothelioma, but they may help the doctors discover where the problem lies, and they can use that information to form some of the basis for their analysis of your condition. There are several types of imaging tests including CT Scans and X-rays that may be useful for detecting issues within the pleural cavity.

• Blood Tests

You may also be subjected to some blood tests. Effective blood testing technology to diagnose mesothelioma is still being researched, but there are potential biomarkers that can tell doctors when the patient may be at risk.

Next Steps in Mesothelioma of the Pleural Cavity

Mesothelioma is a dangerous form of cancer, and is especially harmful in the pleural cavity. If you have been diagnosed with the disease, it is best to seek treatment immediately in order to improve your life expectancy and manage the symptoms.