Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer that develops in the pleura, or membrane lining the wall of the chest and lungs. The condition is named for the mesothelium, the lining that protects the body’s internal organs. Therefore, mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in any area of the mesothelium.
The most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Therefore, if you need to file a mesothelioma claim for damages, it’s important to retain the services of a mesothelioma attorney. They can help you receive the money for medical costs through employer-established trust funds and a personal injury claim.
Only file a mesothelioma lawsuit with the direction of an experienced mesothelioma lawyer.
Asbestos represents naturally occurring minerals that once were used in a variety of industries, including construction and manufacturing. Until the 1970s, workers also mined asbestos in the U.S. During this time, scientists found a link between mesothelioma and exposure to airborne particles of asbestos.
Types of Pleural Mesothelioma
The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes mesothelioma into three categories based on the kinds of cancer cells found in the mesothelium. Some of the mesothelial cells lead to faster-growing cancer.
Epithelioid Mesothelioma
This common type of mesothelioma affects 80 percent of patients and is the easiest to treat.
Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
This cancer is the rarest type of malignant mesothelioma, happening in 10 percent of cases. It grows and spreads faster and is more complicated to treat than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Biphasic Mesothelioma
This rare form of mesothelioma occurs in 10 to 15 percent of cases. Both epithelioid and sarcomatoid cell types define the cancer.
The form of diagnosed pleural mesothelioma will help you discuss your case with a mesothelioma lawyer so they can better determine your prognosis and damages.
How Many People Are Affected by Pleural Mesothelioma Each Year?
While pleural mesothelioma is rare, it’s still the most common form of mesothelioma. About 3,300 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually in the U.S. Pleural mesothelioma accounts for about 80 percent of these cases.
Efforts to decrease asbestos exposure have caused a decline in asbestos cases in the U.S. since 2000.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma take some time to emerge. In some cases, it may take as long as 50 years. Therefore, early symptoms may cause some concern but are also easy to dismiss. As a result, patients may delay a doctor’s appointment until the cancer has advanced.
The primary symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and problems with breathing. The victim may also suffer from:
- Ongoing hoarseness and cough
- Problems with swallowing (dysphagia)
- Lower back pain
- Swelling of the arms and face
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Night sweats
Reasons for the Development of Pleural Mesothelioma
While asbestos exposure is a clear cause of pleural mesothelioma in 70 percent of the cases, the cell changes that lead to this cancer may also be triggered by:
- Prior radiation therapy to the chest
- Genetic mutation (for example, a missing BAP1 gene)
- Exposure to the building material, carbon nanotubes, is used to reinforce structural supporting items such as sports equipment and vehicles.
Researchers continue to look into reasons for the development of cancer besides asbestos exposure.
Who is at Risk for Developing Pleural Mesothelioma?
Most people who are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma receive the diagnosis after 15 to 50 years. Therefore, many people are retired but formerly worked around asbestos. If you lived in the following areas, you may have to speak to a mesothelioma lawyer:
- Firefighting
- Plumbing
- Mining
- Construction, including shipbuilding
- Automotive factories
- Insulation installation or manufacturing
People who have lied to someone who worked around asbestos may also be susceptible, as well as individuals who lived near an asbestos mine or demolition site.
Pleural Effusion
Most people who contract pleural mesothelioma also experience pleural effusion, where fluid builds between the chest wall and lungs, making breathing harder.
Other Complications
Some patients may also have other conditions that occur simultaneously with pleural mesothelioma, such as:
- Pleural plaques, or areas of thickened tissue on the pleura. These plaques, which aren’t cancerous, do not cause symptoms. However, they do show up on X-rays or other imaging.
- Asbestosis may also occur, producing scar tissue on the lungs, making breathing harder.
Diagnosing Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is diagnosed through imaging (MRI, CT scan, or PET). These tests are used to determine where tumors are located and to see if the cancer has spread.
- Blood Testing – Blood tests may be ordered to check for high levels of substances linked to mesothelioma, such as soluble mesothelin-related peptides or fibulin-3.
- Thoracentesis – A thoracentesis allows a healthcare provider to remove a fluid sample from the lung area to check for cancer cells. The procedure also relieves pressure in the chest from a fluid build-up.
- Biopsy – A healthcare provider may remove a tissue sample to test for cancer cells. This type of test is used to verify a mesothelioma diagnosis. Procedures may include video-assisted thoracic (VATS) surgery, thoracoscopy, or bronchoscopy.
Cancer Staging for Pleural Mesothelioma
Oncologists stage cancer to determine the advancement of pleural mesothelioma and plan and schedule treatments. Pleural mesothelioma is staged under four classifications, as follows:
Stage 1
The cancer is confined to the pleura. Patients typically receive treatments, such as surgery, to eradicate the cancer.
Stage 2
The mesothelioma has spread beyond the pleura but is still close to the original site.
Stage 3
The cancer has metastasized (spread) to the lymph nodes and surrounding organs.
Stage 4
The cancer has spread to distant organs. Now, doctors must opt for treatments that are not traditional therapies.
Where Pleural Mesothelioma May Spread
If the cancer spreads, it may move to the bones, diaphragm, heart, liver, or central nervous system.
Management and Treatment
Usually, oncologists prescribe a combination of treatments for pleural mesothelioma. Treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, palliative care, and clinical trials.
Can Pleural Mesothelioma Be Cured?
Treatments for pleural mesothelioma relieve symptoms and promote a longer life. However, the disease is severe, and no direct cure has yet been found. Nevertheless, treatments do improve a person’s prognosis and quality of life.
Contact a Mesothelioma Lawyer
To receive medical care for mesothelioma, you should contact a lawyer immediately. To support your health and comfort, you need to speak to an mesothelioma attorney about your condition. They can help maximize your compensation for your medical costs and any financial losses. Contact a mesothelioma attorney today for a free case review and consultation.
