The term Pleura Mesothelioma comes from the fact that the disease attacks the pleura, the membrane that surrounds the chest and lungs. This membrane, known as the mesothelium, lines several other body cavities.
Pleural Mesothelioma should not be confused with lung cancer, as the disease attacks the lining of the lung and not the lungs itself. This makes the disease difficult to diagnose, as many of its symptoms are similar to other respiratory diseases.
Causes of Pleural Mesothelioma
As with all forms of Mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma forms because of the inhalation of asbestos particles. These asbestos particles can be found suspended in the environment of industrial establishments, buildings, ships and aircraft that were built during the 1950s and 1960s. The material was widely used due to its flexibility, ready availability and thermal resistance qualities. As a result, it was utilized in applications where temperature regulation was required.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma develops because of long-term inhalation of asbestos particles. These asbestos particles enter the lungs and wedge themselves into the lung tissue. They then migrate slowly into the pleura and mesothelium. Here they interact with the tissues causing them to divide uncontrollably until they develop into abnormal cells. These cells go on to be malignant and cancerous. However, this process is very slow, resulting in Pleural Mesothelioma having a gestation period of twenty to thirty years.
During the development period, victims will experience side effects that are similar to other respiratory diseases. Some of these symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath and severe coughing
- Non-specific chest pain, as if the pain is in the upper abdomen, shoulders and arm
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fluid build-up between the lining of the chest and the lungs resulting in difficulty breathing
- Severe night sweating
Diagnosing Pleural Mesothelioma
The first method used in the diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma is an investigation into your history to see if there was any exposure to asbestos. The next step involves a series of X-Rays to examine the condition of the pleura. Once a suspicious mass is spotted, an incision or a biopsy will be done to extract some of the mass to test for cancerous cells. Some doctors utilize a non-incisive procedure known as a thoracoscopy, where they insert a camera to look inside the lungs.
Once you have been diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma, you will have to undergo various treatments and your doctors will work with you to decide the best way to proceed. It is very important that you get in contact with a lawyer who is well versed in Mesothelioma cases, preferably one who works only with these cases. You can have your medical expenses taken care of through a settlement as well as compensation for pain and suffering. |
