Pleural Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an extremely rare and deadly asbestos-related cancer. There are two types of mesothelioma: pleural mesothelioma (which affects the pleura, or lining, of the lungs) and peritoneal mesothelioma (which attacks the lining, or peritoneum, of the abdominal cavity).

Causes of Mesothelioma

Both pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma are caused by exposure to asbestos, a dangerous, naturally occurring, fibrous mineral used for insulation and in product manufacture. Both types of mesothelioma cancer can both be directly attributed to the asbestos exposure.

Progression of Mesothelioma

Both peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma have a somewhat lengthy incubation period (sometimes 10 to 50 years) so many victims don't notice symptoms of either peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma cancer until long after exposure to asbestos. The most frightening fact is that even people who were exposed to asbestos in the short term—such as at a summer job—are at risk for developing either peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma cancer.

Symptoms Pleural Mesothelioma

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma cancer include shortness of breath, chest pain, a persistent cough, loss of appetite, fatigue, accumulation of pleura fluid (which causes chest pain), and weight loss. However, mesothelioma symptoms often don't surface until either peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma is very advanced; instead, the disease can be detected only through a routine chest x-ray or, in some cases, a transbronchial biopsy (a procedure in which a tube is inserted down the throat and tissue is extracted and tested for mesothelioma cancer).

There is no known cure for mesothelioma cancer, although mesothelioma can be treated with chemotherapy, mesothelioma surgery, pneumonectomy, radiation therapy, and gene therapy.

Find a Lung Cancer Lawyer in Your Area

If you are experiencing any symptoms of pleural mesothelioma and have worked directly with asbestos, you may be at risk. It is imperative that you seek a mesothelioma attorney or asbestos attorney who can help build your case. Use LawyerShop's directory to find a lung cancer lawyer in your area.