Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common of
all mesothelioma cancers. This cancer is
found in the pleura, or the lining of the
lung. Diagnosed as either benign
(non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous),
pleural mesothelioma is the most aggressive
form of this rare type of cancer.
Early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may
include a change in the voice or hoarseness,
shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, a
persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up
blood, general weakness or weight loss.
Symptoms of mesothelioma mimic other
diseases, including lung cancer. It is
critical to alert your personal physician if
you have a history of asbestos exposure as
this could be an early clue that malignant
mesothelioma may be the diagnosis. Although
not all patients diagnosed with malignant
mesothelioma have a history of asbestos
exposure, the majority of cases do report a
known historical exposure to asbestos.
Benign pleural mesothelioma is generally
localized and does not commonly metastasize
or spread to other areas of the body. These
benign mesotheliomas are typically treated
surgically, with good success. Also, benign
pleural mesothelioma is not usually found to
be related to asbestos exposure. However,
malignant pleural mesothelioma is much more
common and tends to metastasize to other
areas of the body, making it more difficult
to treat this aggressive cancer.
Early diagnostic
tests searching for a cause of symptoms may
include a chest x-ray, CT scan (Computerized
tomography scan), a MRI scan (Magnetic
Resonance Imaging scan), or a PET scan
(Positive Electron Tomography scan). Besides
looking for a tumor, these tests will also
look for thickening of the lining of the
lungs, calcifications, a collection of fluid
in the lungs or the abdomen and possible
lymph node involvement.
To accurately diagnose pleural mesothelioma,
your physician may choose to perform a
thoracoscopy. With this exam, your physician
will make a small incision into the chest
and insert an endoscope which is a thin tube
with a tiny camera or mirror attached to the
end. This instrument allows for a complete
examination of the lungs and the chest
cavity. Your physician may also choose to
perform a biopsy at the same time. A biopsy
or study of tissue samples will allow for a
definitive diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Your physician may also choose to perform a
bronchoscopy. With this test, your physician
will use an instrument called a bronchoscope
to examine the airways and the lungs.
Specifically the bronchoscope looks at the
throat, the larynx, the trachea, the lungs
and the lower airways.
Diagnosing pleural mesothelioma requires the
attention of your personal physician.
Whether benign or malignant, mesothelioma
necessitates immediate treatment. A battery
of test is required so that your physician
can determine the presence and extent of
mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is a
challenging diagnosis…so it is important to
seek out a physician whom you trust and with
whom you feel comfortable.
More Resources
Articles
Incidence Of Malignant
Mesothelioma
It is thought that the
number exposed between 1940 and 1980 exceeds
25 million. |
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Asbestos Exposure
After asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can easily enter and become trapped
in the airways and lung tissue and the body has difficulty removing the fibers. |
Diagnosing Pleural Mesothelioma
Diagnosing pleural
mesothelioma is a challenge. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common of all
mesothelioma cancers. |
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Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural
mesothelioma is the most common of all mesotheliomas and diagnosing this
rare cancer can be a challenge. |
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