What Is Pleural Mesothelioma?

Pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive, rare cancer often diagnosed in people exposed to a high level of asbestos. It is one of the most common types of mesothelioma. It affects the pleura, a two-layer thin membrane that covers the lungs. The pleura helps and supports the lungs but also produces a lubricating fluid to help the lungs move more smoothly during the breathing process.

Cancer normally forms in one layer of the pleura then spreads to the other layer and further to the diaphragm, chest wall or lungs.

Symptoms & Diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma takes a long time to develop and in the early stages the symptoms are easily mistaken for other ailments, such as pneumonia or asthma. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chronic cough, chest pain, pleural effusion (excess fluid around lungs) and weight loss. Seeing a specialist is vital if there is also a history of asbestos exposure. In case pleural mesothelioma is suspected, the doctor will look for fluid in the chest.

Various tests are performed to obtain more information about cancer and how far this has spread. These tests may include:

• imaging scans (PET Scan, CT Scan, MRI, X-ray) and/or
• biopsies (Needle Biopsy, Surgical Biopsy).