Mesothelioma Types

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 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.

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.

Current surgical management of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Management of fatigue from pleural mesothelioma.

To receive a FREE information packet, please fill out the following form (U.S. only please):

Name:
Phone Number:
E-mail:
Street Address:
City, State, Zip:
Comments or Questions:
**(Packet includes information on treatment, clinical trials, cancer links, how to access legal and financial resources, and frequently asked legal questions with answers provided by The David Law Firm, P.C.). By filling out the above form you consent to being contacted by The David Law Firm regarding potentially retaining legal services.

This website is sponsored by Jonathan David* of The David Law Firm. The David Law Firm is located in The Woodlands, Texas (Greater Houston Area) and can be reached toll free at 1-800-998-9729 for more information on mesothelioma. Jonathan David is not a medical doctor. The information on these pages is for the education of mesothelioma patients and their families regarding potential medical and legal options. Patients are advised to consult with a medical doctor. * Licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas.