Mesothelioma Resource AsbestosHelpDesk.org Explains Pleural Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium of the lungs. This cancer forms as a result of exposure to asbestos, which is a type of mineral fiber once commonly used as a form of insulation. There are three types of Mesothelioma lung cancer, with the most common type being Pleural Mesothelioma report the experts at AsbestosHelpDesk.org.

Although the signs and symptoms that occur with Mesothelioma will vary from patient to patient, there are many warning signs to watch for. Since Pleural Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the pleura, or the tissue that surrounds the lungs, many of the symptoms of this disease can be found in the chest cavity. Some of the more common problems that one will encounter when afflicted with Pleural Mesothelioma are chest pain underneath the rib cage, painful coughing, shortness of breath, unusual lumps of tissue under the skin on the chest area, night sweats, fever, fatigue and an unexplained weight loss. If these symptoms are being experienced, with or without the knowledge of prior asbestos exposure, a doctor's visit is warranted.

Once it is determined through testing that the patient has Pleural Mesothelioma, treatment can begin. There are many different options for treatment depending on the stage of the cancer and the health of the patient. Some of the available options are surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and clinical trials. The choice of treatment is up to the patient with guidance from their physician. The goal of performing surgery for Pleural Mesothelioma is to decrease fluid buildup, remove the tissue around the lungs and to remove as much of the cancer as possible. In more extreme cases, removing the whole affected lung may also be an option. Many patients choose to implement chemotherapy after having surgery to remove the cancer. This is due to the fact that chemotherapy uses chemicals to slow the growth of any cancer cells that may be remaining. Radiation, form of treatment focuses high-energy beams to a specific spot on the body in hopes that it will prevent the spread of the cancer cells, is also an option.

The prognosis for a patient with Pleural Mesothelioma depends upon what stage of the cancer they are afflicted with. There are 4 possible stages, with the level of the cancer's progression increasing with each stage. The prognosis for a patient that is diagnosed with stage one or two Pleural Mesothelioma is generally better due to the fact that there are more treatment options and the cancer has not had the chance to spread or advance yet. Patients who are diagnosed with stage three or four Pleural Mesothelioma have a narrow range of treatment options. These treatments are normally limited to palliative treatments aimed at improving a patient's quality of life, rather than their fight against the disease.

The symptoms, treatment and prognosis for pleural mesothelioma vary depending on each individual's own traits. AsbestosHelpDesk.org suggests working closely with an oncologist to determine a plan of action will ensure the highest quality life possible for the patient diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma. For more information on locating a physician or law firm to assist with legal matters related to an asbestos related disease like Mesothelioma cancer visit www.AsbestosHelpDesk.org and click on the 'Take Action' button or call the Asbestos Helpline at 877-362-5833.