The information provided throughout this website is for your information only, and should NOT take the place of a full medical diagnosis.



What is Mesothelioma?


Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks cells, called mesothelial cells, which make up membrane lining in the chest and abdominal cavity. The tissue called mesothelium, which is formed by the mesothelial cells, help protects the organs by producing a lubricating fluid that allows the organs to move without irritating nerves.




• Pleural Mesothelioma


Pleural Mesothelioma is a variety of the rare cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have cancerous growths in the tissues surrounding their lungs. The only known cause of pleural mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, and men between ages 50 and 70 are more commonly diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma than any other demographic.


There are generally two categories of pleural mesothelioma, localized and benign, and generalized and malignant.


1. The localized and benign version of pleural mesothelioma is not considered life-threatening and is easily removed through surgery.
2. Patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma that is malignant often have one year or less to live. The early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are often vague: shortness of breath, chest pains, and coughing; many times individuals with pleural mesothelioma never experience early symptoms at all.


The only way for a doctor to identify possible pleural mesothelioma is through an X-Ray or CT scan. Following this procedure, if a potential pleural mesothelioma tumor is located, the doctor generally conducts a thoroscopy, after which a biopsy can identify pleural mesothelioma positively. Treatment will usually commence immediately, in an attempt to act before the pleural mesothelioma has a chance to spread even further. The various treatments available for combating pleural mesothelioma are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In some cases, there is no chance to remove the pleural mesothelioma, and in that case, surgery is usually performed to improve the patient’s quality of life.


Pleural mesothelioma patients suffer from buildup of fluid in the lungs, so the fluid is drained, and pleural mesothelioma patients may also have their tumors reduced in size, through surgery or other treatment.


Pleural mesothelioma is a rare but extremely serious cancer, and the links between asbestos exposure and pleural mesothelioma may mean that the patient’s employer or another party bears some culpability for the disease. Pleural mesothelioma patients and their families may be entitled to recovery losses associated with pleural mesothelioma, including medical costs, loss of wages, mental hardship, and punitive damages.


For more information about pleural mesothelioma and whether you are legally entitled to financial compensation, Contact a Mesothelioma Attorney familiar with pleural mesothelioma cases.



Source: Asbestos News