Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a very agresive form of lung cancer and it is the most common type of Mesothelioma. The “pleura” can be found between the lungs and the chest cavity, and it is a thing membrane that acts as a lubricant to prevent the lungs from chafing against the chest walls. When the cancer cells of a pleural mesothelioma spreads, the cells become abnormal. These cancerous cells begin to divide and spread and can begin to affect organs and tissues in the immediate area. This often leads to complications in the surrounding organs.

Pleural thickening is caused when the tumor spreads over the pleura (the thin membrane that lines the chest cavity and surrounds the lungs). This reduces the flexibility of the pleura and encases the lungs in an increasingly restrictive girdle. Once restricted, the lungs get smaller and less functional, and breathing becomes difficult. At first, this condition may be noticeable when he or she exercises, but as lung function continues to diminish, a person with Mesothelioma can become short of breath even while at rest.

There are two types of Pleural Mesothelioma, diffuse and malignant (cancerous), and localized and benign (non-cancerous). Benign mesotheliomas are generally not life-threatening, can often be removed surgically, and are not usually related to asbestos exposure. Malignant mesotheliomas, although rare, are very serious and require more aggresive types of treatments.

Diffuse malignant mesothelioma, which is the most serious type of mesothelioma, is a cancer of the cells that make up the lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs. This type of cancer accounts for about 75% of all cases. Fluid build-up from the pleural effusion can generally be seen on a chest x-ray and heard during a physical examination, but a firm diagnosis of mesothelioma can only be made through a biopsy and pathological testing. There are also other tumors and benign pleural effusions that have a similar appearance to mesothelioma, and for this reason it is important to get a proper check up. I can be diffucult to diagnose mesothelioma; it requires special lab stains, and often considerable experience by the pathologist interpreting the results.

Mesothelioma spreads by direct invasion of surrounding tissue. As this tumor spreads inward it can compress the lungs. As it spreads outward it can invade the chest wall and ribs, and this can be extremely painful.

Medical Science currently does not know how and why, at a cellular level, asbestos fibers cause mesothelial cells to become abnormal (malignant or cancerous.) Thus it is not known whether only one fiber causes the tumor or whether it takes many fibers. It seems that asbestos fibers in the pleura can start a tumor as well as promote its growth; the tumor does not depend on any other processes for its development.

Unfortunately there is as yet no known absolute cure for malignant mesothelioma. The prognosis depends on various factors, including the size and stage of the tumor, the extent of the tumor, the cell type, and whether or not the tumor responds to treatment. Treatment options for people with mesothelioma have improved significantly, especially for those whose cancer is diagnosed early and treated vigorously.