Pleural Mesothelioma

By far the most common type of malignant mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma.  This asbestos cancer develops in the pleura, the membrane that lines the chest wall and covers the lungs.  In addition to protecting the lungs, the pleura normally produces a vital fluid that allows them to glide smoothly along your chest as you breathe.

Pleural mesothelioma causes the cells of the pleura to grow out of control.  These malignant cells begin to produce excessive amounts of fluid, known as a pleural effusion.  This malignant fluid builds up between the two layers of the pleura and presses on the lungs.

Eventually, this causes a rind-like thickness to build up around the affected lung, preventing the lung from moving smoothly in the chest.  This causes progressive, severe shortness of breath and severe chest pain.  As the cancer progresses, it can grow into the chest wall and ribs, and also spread by extension and metastasis into the unaffected lung and other organs.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Persistent, unexplained cough
• Spitting up blood
• Weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing
• A hoarse voice

Pleural mesothelioma accounts for approximately 70% of all diagnosed mesothelioma cases, and affects men five times more often than women.  However, while it is the most common type of mesothelioma, it is still a relatively rare disease and can be difficult to diagnose.  In particular, it may be difficult to distinguish between mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Thus, if you know that you or anyone in your household has a history of asbestos exposure, it is especially important to go to the doctor immediately if you begin to show any of the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.  You should also be sure to inform your doctor that you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, so that he or she is aware that you are at risk for mesothelioma.