Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs, is the most common form of mesothelioma. This form of mesothelioma gets its name from the medical term for the lining of the lungs: the pleura or pleural membrane.
The pleural membrane is made of two layers of soft tissues, which provide protection and support to the lungs and the chest cavity. The outermost layer, called the parietal layer, lines the entire chest cavity, including the diaphragm, which sits below the lungs. The innermost layer, called the visceral layer, covers only the lungs. Most commonly, mesothelioma develops in only one of the two layers, but can spread to the other (a process called metastasis).
Causes of pleural mesothelioma
As with all types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, which often occurs decades before a patient develops symptoms. Asbestos, which when airborne takes the form of tiny invisible fibers, can be inhaled when it is released into the air. These airborne asbestos fibers can settle into the lungs, causing pleural mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related lung conditions such as asbestosis.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Trapped asbestos fibers in the lungs can cause the pleural lining to thicken, which can cause the build-up of fluid in the lungs, a phenomenon called pleural effusion. This fluid build-up can press on and strain the lungs and respiratory system, which can cause the following symptoms to develop:
- Difficulty breathing; including shortness of breath, even at rest
- Painful breathing
- Persistent pain in the rib area or chest area
- Lump development under the chest skin
- Trouble swallowing
- Dry or raspy cough
- Coughing up of blood
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
If any of these symptoms develop, a doctor can perform a number of tests to rule out or diagnose pleural mesothelioma. See our page on mesothelioma diagnosis to learn more. Because pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of this cancer, more research has been done on how to treat it. See mesothelioma treatment for more information.
