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Mesothelioma
Lawyers & Mesothelioma Diagnosed
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Pleural mesothelioma is a disease that affects the lining of the lungs, or lung pleura. Sometimes doctors refer to this disease as mesothelioma of the pleura. It is a common misconception that mesothelioma is a type of primary lung cancer; it is not. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the serous membranes. These membranes enclose a number of organs throughout the midsection of the body, including the lungs. The most common type of mesothelioma is one that affects the serous membranes of the lungs: pleural mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma can also affect the serous membranes surrounding the abdomen, called peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma, and the membranes surrounding the heart, or pericardial mesothelioma. When mesothelioma spreads to the lungs from the serous linings of the lungs, abdomen or heart, it is considered secondary lung cancer. Also, pleural mesothelioma is sometimes referred to as an asbestos lung cancer. Technically, this is also incorrect, since it does not originate in the lungs. Asbestosis is a type of asbestos lung disease that does originate in the lungs and is often confused with mesothelioma.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma
is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up over
two-thirds of all cases. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of
the lung and chest cavity known as the pleura.
The pleura is made up of the parietal and visceral pleura. The
parietal pleura lines the chest wall and diaphragm while the
visceral pleura lines the lungs.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma
is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up over
two-thirds of all cases. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of
the lung and chest cavity known as the pleura.
The pleura is made up of the parietal and visceral pleura. The
parietal pleura lines the chest wall and diaphragm while the
visceral pleura lines the lungs.
Asbestos fibers work their way into the smallest passageways of the
lungs and then into the pleura. Once there, an unknown chemical
reaction causes cancerous cell development. As the cells begin to
divide abnormally, the pleural lining thickens and excess fluid may
accumulate. Pleural thickening gradually contracts the breathing
space, causing shortness of breath—often the first symptom for
pleural mesothelioma. The fluid, once carefully measured to allow
smooth movement between the lungs and other organs, now causes
increased pressure, further hindering breathing. This excess fluid
is often seen on X-rays, and is referred to as a pleural effusion.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of
mesothelioma, making up over two-thirds of all cases. Pleural
mesothelioma affects the lining of the lung and chest cavity known
as the pleura.
The pleura is made up of the parietal and visceral pleura. The
parietal pleura lines the chest wall and diaphragm while the
visceral pleura lines the lungs.
Asbestos fibers work their way into the smallest passageways of the
lungs and then into the pleura. Once there, an unknown chemical
reaction causes cancerous cell development. As the cells begin to
divide abnormally, the pleural lining thickens and excess fluid may
accumulate. Pleural thickening gradually contracts the breathing
space, causing shortness of breath—often the first symptom for
pleural mesothelioma. The fluid, once carefully measured to allow
smooth movement between the lungs and other organs, now causes
increased pressure, further hindering breathing. This excess fluid
is often seen on X-rays, and is referred to as a pleural effusion.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the lining of the
lung, known as the pleura) may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
shortness of breath (dyspnea) - hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and/or coughing up of blood.
pleural effusion - a build up of too much fluid between the pleura (linings of the lungs and chest); a pleural effusion may cause chest pain and difficulty breathing (dyspnea), however, many cause no symptoms and are first discovered during the physical examination or seen on a chest x-ray.
pain in the chest - may sometimes be felt in upper abdomen, shoulder, or arm.
Pain in the lower back or the side of the chest
A persistent cough
Shortness of breath
A hoarse or husky voice
Losing more than 10% of your weight when not dieting
Sweating and fevers
Difficulty swallowing
Patients diagnosed with diffuse pleural mesothelioma exhibited the following symptoms :
|
Symptom |
Exhibiting |
|---|---|
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Shortness of breath and/or chest pain |
90% |
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Weight loss |
29% |
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Cough, weakness, fever, loss of appetite |
3% |
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Hemoptysis (coughing up blood), hoarseness, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), Horner's syndrome |
less than 1% |
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Pleural Effusions |
84% |
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Asymptomatic |
3% |
Next
: 2. Peritoneal
(abdominal) Mesothelioma
; 3. Pericardial
Mesothelioma
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