Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the protective lining of the lung, known as the pleura. It is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers into the lungs. It is the most common form of mesothelioma.
What is Pleural Mesothelioma?
Pleural mesothelioma makes up roughly 75 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Mesothelioma develops in the lungs when asbestos fibers are inhaled and lodge into the lining of the lungs (pleura). The average life expectancy of a person with pleural mesothelioma is between 12 and 21 months depending on how advanced the disease is and the treatments they receive.
How Is Pleural Mesothelioma Treated?
1. Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP)
This surgery involves the complete removal of the diseased lung and lining. It is a common curative treatment for stage 1 and 2 pleural mesothelioma patients.
2. Pleurectomy with Decortication (P/D)
A surgeon spares the lung while removing the diseased pleura and all visible tumors. It is less radical than the EPP, but has led to similar survival times in patients.
3. Chemotherapy
The standard chemotherapy drugs for pleural mesothelioma are Alimta and cisplatin. Chemotherapy is often used before and after surgery.
4. Radiation
Radiation techniques are being developed to specifically target tumors, leaving healthy lung tissue unharmed. It is the least invasive treatment option for pleural mesothelioma.
Symptoms
Pleural mesothelioma patients may experience symptoms associated with common illnesses, such as the onset of a fever, shortness of breath or persistent coughing. Although these symptoms are common, if a patient has been exposed to asbestos in the past, it is important they consult a physician. Other symptoms include:
- Lower Back Pain
- Shortness of Breath (dyspnea)
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Swelling of Face or Arms
- Fluid Buildup (Pleural Effusion)
- Chest Pain (Pleurisy)
- Dry or Painful Cough
- Fever or Sweating
- Tissue Lumps in the Chest
- Coughing up Blood (Hemoptysis)
Pleural mesothelioma can be hard to detect because its symptoms, such as shortness of breath and fever, are common in other respiratory ailments. Because mesothelioma is so rare, general practitioners may not readily recognize mesothelioma as a possible diagnosis. Fortunately, research is constantly underway to discover more effective ways to detect mesothelioma.
Diagnosis
The first step toward diagnosing pleural mesothelioma is taking imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans. If the test results determine the possible presence of cancerous tumors, doctors perform a biopsy on the suspected lung. A biopsy is a small fluid or tissue sample that determines if cancer cells are present. Tissue biopsies are the most reliable, with a 96% conclusivity.
Can Pleural Mesothelioma Spread to Other Organs?
Mesothelioma in the pleura can metastasize to the lymph nodes, which can cause cancer to spread throughout the body more quickly. It is common for it to metastasize to the central organs, such as the heart and diaphragm. There have also been cases of pleural mesothelioma spreading to the brain, but this is uncommon.
Depending on the results of the biopsy and how much the cancer has spread, a patient is diagnosed with a specific stage of pleural mesothelioma. The stages range from 1 to 4. The 4 Stages is:
- Stage 1: The cancer is only located in the pleural lining of the lungs.
- Stage 2: The cancer has spread to more of the lung, part of the diaphragm, and localized lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: The cancer has metastasized to nearby organs and more lymph nodes
- Stage 4: The cancer has spread to the other organs and all lymph nodes are fully involved.
Causes
The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos products are usually found in homes and businesses built prior to the 1980’s. Occupational asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma although exposure in the home can occur as well.
Genetic factors may also play a role in the development of mesothelioma. It seems some people who are exposed to asbestos have a genetic makeup that puts them at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. However, this connection has not been fully investigated.
Genetic factors may also play a role in the development of mesothelioma. It seems some people who are exposed to asbestos have a genetic makeup that puts them at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. However, this connection has not been fully investigated.
How Pleural Mesothelioma Develops
- Inhaled asbestos particles are sharp and can get stuck in the pleura. This can include both the visceral (inner) or the parietal (outer) pleura.
- The body cannot expel all of the asbestos fibers. These fibers can cause irritation, inflammation, scarring, and genetic damage.
- The genetically damaged cells can no longer receive signals to stop dividing. They multiply indefinitely, creating tumors. It takes anywhere from 10 to 50 years after asbestos exposure for mesothelioma to develop in the pleura.
Mesothelioma in the pleura spreads quickly because of its proximity to vital organs.
Generally, it develops in the lining of the lungs and then spreads to the rest of the lung, the chest wall, or the nearby diaphragm. The central location of the lungs in the body means mesothelioma can easily spread to nearby organs.
Veterans with Pleural Mesothelioma
The largest group (over 30 percent) of people diagnosed with mesothelioma is military veterans, specifically those who served in the Navy. Asbestos was so applicable as an insulator in military vehicles, naval vessels and bunkers that it was virtually impossible to avoid inhaling airborne asbestos fibers at some point.
This is why veterans make up the largest group of patients with pleural mesothelioma and why the VA grants them certain benefits. Veterans who have been diagnosed with this disease should be aware that:
Disability benefits are usually available to all veterans with mesothelioma, and these benefits can offset the costs of treatment, travel and missed work.
Finding a specialist is imperative because general oncologists are inexperienced in treating this rare disease.
Finding a specialist is imperative because general oncologists are inexperienced in treating this rare disease.
There are pleural mesothelioma specialists in the VA health system who lead treatment centers that rival the top mesothelioma cancer centers.
Source: www.mesotheliomaguide.com
