What Does Pleural Mesothelioma Mean?

A protective sheath termed as the pleura covers the chest cavity and the lungs. When mesothelioma occurs in this sheath, then the condition is known to be pleural mesothelioma. Of all the different types of mesothelioma present in the current times, this mesothelioma is known to be the most widespread one. It is commonly found in workers who are dealing with asbestos and related minerals. Asbestos cancer mesothelioma -- the pleural mesothelioma is known to be a division of this core niche. In this brief article, we will try to analyze this condition.
Pleural mesothelioma is commonly known to be confused with lung cancer. It is a cancer occurring on the protective layer of the lungs. The cause of pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer are different. Advanced stages of pleural mesothelioma might lead to growth of cancerous cells in the lungs. At those stages, the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer are known to be the same. Unilateral -- this is the mode of infection of the cancer. In other words, only a side of the chest will be infected and this is the main symptom that the patient is suffering from pleural mesothelioma.
If you used to work with asbestos, even for a short duration during those yesteryear, it is better to get yourself checked for the condition. Nodules appear in the region and with the passage of time these nodules strengthen themselves. Gradually, the entire side of the chest will be affected and the infection will start spreading to the nearby organs. The situation is a delicate one and if proper medication procedures are not subjected to the patient, then he might finally succumb to the condition. People realize that they are suffering from pleural mesothelioma only during the latter stages. By then they would be far from the point of recovery.
The effusion of the pleura -- this is the first symptom that is commonly noticed. This might be accompanied with intense pain while indulging in day-to-day activities. Pain will be felt even when the person is normally breathing. This is because the original function of the pleura is to help in the lubricating of the chest cavity and the enclosed lungs. Damage to the pleura is reflected as acute pains during breathing and heaving. As with all other forms of cancer symptoms, fatigue will be profound.
The effusion of the pleura will be displayed prominently during the scans. In certain cases, the doctors might recommend analyzing the fluid present in the pleura for malignant cells. VATS or video assisted thoracoscopy is the best means to diagnose the condition. The pleural mesothelioma is known to affect the chest cavity and the lungs in predefined stages. Trimodal therapy is the best treatment option that is present in the current times. With the help of this method surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be subjected to the patient. Survival chances are slim, but there is room for miracles in this niche.