Pleural Mesothelioma
There are two types of pleural mesothelioma: Diffuse and Malignant (cancerous) and localized and benign (non-cancerous).
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma is a cancer of cells making up the lining around the outside of the lungs and inside of the ribs. It is associated with asbestos (especially blue asbestos). Previous exposure to asbestos fibers including amosite, chrysotile or crocidolite asbestos is the only known cause to this disease. The exposure is likely to have happened 20 or more years before the disease would become evident. Is is the most common type of mesothelioma (accounting for about 75% of all cases). There are no blood tests available that are useful in diagnosing malignant mesothelioma.
Benign Mesothelioma is often removed surgically and is generally not life threatening. It is usually not related to asbestos exposure however Malignant Mesothelioma is very serious and about 2,000 people are diagnosed with it in the United States each year.
Some of the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are:
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Coughing
- Fever
- Fluid in chest cavities (Pleural effusions)
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Trouble Swallowing
- Lower back and side of the chest pain
- Loss of weight and appetite
