Introduction To The In Depth Study Of Mesothelioma Part 1: Pleura Mesothelioma
This is the beginning of a 3 part series discussing the 3 main asbestos cancers; also known as mesothelioma. The first part will be on one of the most common of the three types of mesothelioma: pleura mesothelioma, asbestos cancer around the lining of the lungs.
Pleura mesothelioma is cancer of the membrane covering the lungs. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can include a shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue, abdominal swelling, bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, trouble swallowing, and a swollen neck and face.
Since most pleural mesothelioma cases originate from exposure and inhalation of asbestos, it makes it the most common, as a large percentage of any mesothelioma is brought on by prolonged exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or ingested can cause problems in the lungs and mesothelium, which is a layer of tissue that lines the chest and abdomen. Asbestosis- is a scarring of the lung tissue. But don't worry asbestos is only dangerous if it becomes airborne. Asbestos fibers can accumulate in the lungs, which is the main cause of this devastating, almost non treatable cancer.
Although treatment options for mesothelioma as a whole have improved over the years,the majority of their success depends on where the cancer is, how far it has spread, and the patient's age and general health. Pleura Mesothelioma treatment may be one of the following: draining of fluid in the chest or abdomen (thorocentesis or paracentesis), surgery, or chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be taken by pill, or it may be put into the body by a needle in the vein or muscle. Chemotherapy is called a systemic treatment because the drug enters the bloodstream, travels through the body, and can kill cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is different from surgery or radiation therapy in that the cancer-fighting drugs circulate in the blood to parts of the body where the cancer may have spread and can kill or eliminate cancer cells at sites great distances from the original cancer.
As you've learned Pleura Mesothelioma is the cancer that is contracted on the membrane structure which covers the lungs and attacks the lining of the wall of the chest cavity. Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma that exists, and in its malignant form is the direct result of exposure to asbestos fibres. You also learned about asbestos, the cause of mesothelioma.
If you or a loved one suffer from this terrible cancer, my prayers go with you. Don't lose hope! However dim the situation may seem now, there have been survivers and you can be one too! There are treatment options and help available to you. All it takes is a little hope.