Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common and most
aggressive of all mesotheliomas.
It is most commonly found in Caucasian men over the age of fifty.
Occupations most often associated with the development of
mesothelioma can include asbestos miners, factory workers, such as
insulation factory workers, railroad workers, ship builders,
automotive workers, and workers in the heating and construction
industries.
Although a rare cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma is one of
the most aggressive. It can lie dormant for decades but once
pleural mesothelioma
takes hold it moves quickly and aggressively. Although mesothelioma
can be defined as both cancerous (malignant) or benign
(non-cancerous), and can be further defined by its location…pleural,
pericardial or peritoneal, for the purposes of this article we will
be discussing only malignant pleural mesothelioma. Both pericardial
mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma will be discussed in
additional articles.
Malignant pleural mesothelioma affects the mesothelium lining
between the lungs and the ribs. This cancer is found in the cells of
the pleura or lining surrounding the outside of the lungs and the
inside of the ribs. Workers exposed to asbestos are most at risk for
the development of malignant mesothelioma.
Asbestos
exposure that occurred over twenty or thirty years ago is
a primary factor in the development of malignant pleural
mesothelioma. It is actually the exposure to the asbestos fibers
that are either inhaled or swallowed that ultimately cause the
problem. The asbestos fibers work their way into the smaller parts
of the lungs where they lie dormant until they begin to cause
problems.
Signs and symptoms of malignant pleural mesothelioma might
include shortness of breath, persistent cough, and even chest pain.
Other symptoms such as weight loss, general fatigue and weakness may
also be experienced. Diagnosing mesothelioma is a difficult task
because it often mimics other diseases. Your primary physician will
conduct a thorough physical exam, obtain blood work, a chest x-ray,
and perhaps a CT scan or MRI scan in order to gather the most
information to determine the true cause of your symptoms.
Once a definitive diagnosis has been made it is important to seek
aggressive and immediate treatment. A physician that specializes in
the treatment of mesothelioma is the best option. Treatment of
malignant pleural mesothelioma might include chemotherapy, radiation
and surgery. A combination of treatment options is generally the
most common plan of care for mesothelioma patients.
Bottom line, if you have been diagnosed with malignant
pleural mesothelioma it is of utmost importance that you
seek early and aggressive treatment by a physician with experience
in treating this rare and complex cancer.
