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A background discussion of the disease.
Detailed descriptions of the three types of mesothelioma.
The most common risk factors & diagnosis.
Several treatment options and clinical trials are presented.
Legal implications associated with mesothelioma.
A causal connection between asbestos and mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer. Three-quarters of mesothelioma patients suffer from pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is a tumor of the pleura seen most frequently in asbestos workers. The pleura are the membrane linings of the walls of the chest cage, the diaphragm, and the lungs. The pleural cavity is separated into two sides by the heart. There is normally a slight amount of watery fluid within the pleural cavity that lubricates the pleural surfaces and allows the lungs to slide freely over the inner surface of the thoracic wall during breathing. Those who suffer from pleural mesothelioma complain of pain in the chest and/or difficulties in breathing.
Pleural mesothelioma is caused by occupational exposure to asbestos.
A chest x-ray may indicate signs of pleural mesothelioma, however more in-depth examination may be required. This examination may include a biopsy or pathological testing. Diagnosing pleural mesothelioma is usually very difficult because the symptoms are similar to other less severe conditions.
The prognosis for malignant pleural mesothelioma is poor.
