Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in
the sac lining of the chest, covering areas around the lungs and inside
the ribs. The tumor on the pleura encases and invades the lung parenchyma
in late stages of the disease. The only known cause to this disease is
exposure to asbestos. Due to the latency effect of this cancer, this exposure
is likely to have taken place 20 or more years ago. This type of mesothelioma
is the most prevalent and is found in over 70% of the cases. Median survival
time of about 9 months after diagnosis.
Symptoms:
The early symptoms of mesothelioma are generally non-specific, and may
lead to a delay in diagnosis. Sometimes resembling viral pneumonia, pleural
mesothelioma patients may present with shortness of breath, chest pain
and/or persistent cough; some patients show no symptoms at all. A chest
x-ray may show a build-up of fluid or pleural effusion. The right lung
is affected 60% of the time, with involvement of both lungs being seen
in approximately 5% of patients at the time of diagnosis. Less common
symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include fever, night sweats and weight
loss. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include pain or swelling
in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid, nausea, weight loss, fatigue,
bowel obstruction, anemia or swelling of the feet.
Diagnosis:
Thoracoscopy
For pleural mesothelioma the doctor may look inside the chest cavity with
a special instrument called a thoracoscope. A cut will be made through
the chest wall and the thoracoscope will be put into the chest between
two ribs. This test is usually done in a hospital with a local anesthetic
or painkiller. If fluid has collected in your chest, your doctor may drain
the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your chest and use
gentle suction to remove the fluid. This is called thoracentesis.
Biopsy
If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor will need to cut out a small piece
and have it looked at under a microscope. This is usually done during
the thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy, but can be done during surgery. NOTE:
Results based on analysis of fluid are not very reliable. Analysis of
tissue is much more reliable. Mesothelioma is a very complicated diagnosis.
Many hospitals send the pathology off to experts. For a list of expert
pathologists, call toll-free at 1-877-367-6376 or send an e-mail at the
bottom of this page.
Mesothelioma treatment methods have improved significantly in the past
years (especially when diagnosed early) and there are many promising trials
and ongoing research. Survival chances are greater if the patient is diagnosed
at a younger age and with a epithelioid histotype.
Current surgical management of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Management of fatigue from pleural mesothelioma.
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