Friday, January 8, 2010

Pleural Mesothelioma - What Is Pleural Mesothelioma

By Shan Durai

Mesothelioma cancer that affects the pleura is called pleural mesothelioma. The pleura is a membrane that stretches along our lungs and the walls on the chest. It is the most common type of mesothelioma accounting for over 60% of all cases with peritoneal mesothelioma reporting in at 30%-35% and pericardial mesothelioma making up the rest.

It is the cancer of the lung lining. All three primary types of mesothelioma are thought to be brought about by asbestos inhalation.

Mesothelioma is particularly prevalent among smokers who are exposed to asbestos. Lumps around the chest area as well as chest pains could be symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Breathing may be painful and even labored. It is hard to detect this cancer based on symptoms as these symptoms can be due to other illnesses as well. Proper measures are needed such as a biopsy or X-rays to truly verify the presence of pleural mesothelioma.

As usual, the earlier the mesothelioma is detected, the greater the likelihood any treatment will have its desired effect. In an attempt to rid the affected area of tumors, the patient will commonly undergo surgery. Chemotherapy is commenced with its main aim of shrinking all remaining tumors that were not removed. To ease the cancer patient of symptoms stemming from mesothelioma, radiation is occasionally used.

All three methods may be used if the patient is in good health and is of a younger age. Unfortunately, even if the cancer is in remission, the chances of it coming back is reasonably high. There is no cure for pleural mesothelioma but with new techniques and ongoing research there have been a few improvements with increasing the lifespan of patients.

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