Pleural Mesothelioma

What Is Pleural Mesothelioma

If you look in a medical dictionary you will read that a disease that affects the lining of the lungs, or lung pleura is called pleural mesothelioma. Often times you may hear physicians describe this type of mesothelioma as cancer of the pleura. A fairly generalized misunderstanding of pleural mesothelioma is that it a form of primary lung cancer and this I not the case.

 

In actuality, pleural mesothelioma affects the serous membranes of the lungs and thus the cancer settles into these membranes which line a number of organs located around the body’s midsection – including the lungs. What is common about this cancer is that it the serous membranes of the lungs are most often affected and when this occurs, someone is said to have pleural mesothelioma.

It is common to hear the term asbestos related lung cancer. To be scientifically accurate this is a misnomer because mesothelioma does not originate in the lungs – it originates in the lining or membrane surrounding the lungs. A very common confusion is made with the diagnosis called Asbestosis which is a type of asbestos lung disease that does originate in the lungs so it is not surprising it is mistaken for mesothelioma.

As mentioned earlier, the serous membrane can be affected in organs other than the lungs and when this occurs in the abdomen, the disease is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma is another disease caused when the serous membrane surrounding the heart is cancerous. The term secondary lung cancer is used to describe the situation when mesothelioma has spread from the membranes or lining encircling the lung, abdomen or heart organs to the lung itself. 

When reading about pleural mesothelioma you will find that another name or description of it is asbestos lung cancer. Again, this is technically inaccurate as pleural mesothelioma does not stem from the lungs but from the membrane surround the lung. Research indicates that 75% of mesothelioma cancers are cases of pleural mesothelioma.

The opportunity for pleural mesothelioma to develop is created by inhaling asbestos fibers which put down roots, so to speak in the lining or pleura of the lungs. As the fibers stay embedded in the membrane they begin to create a situation of chronic inflammation which over times leads to the development off cancer cells and tumors. In some situations this can also lead to asbestosis.

The most common presentation of pleural mesothelioma cancer is seen as multiple tumor growths of the pleura which affect what is called the parietal surface (inside near the lung) and the visceral surface (outside away from the lung). It is more common to find that parietal surface involvement than visceral.
Data indicates there is slightly higher incidence of mesothelioma found in the right lung than the left and it is postulated that this is a result of the inherent larger size of right lungs. There is also data to show that lower lungs have more tumor growths than upper lungs. The theory that explains this is related to gravity and that there is a greater potential for the asbestos fibers to settle lower in the lungs.

Unfortunately, mesothelioma is a disease that can take decades to be discovered thus, because of this lengthy latency period, by the time a patient is diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, the tumor growths are quite large. Because of the advanced development and size of these tumors, the lungs have become completed destroyed by them and the tumors may have progressed from the pleura of the lung to the heart and abdomen. It is not uncommon for this volatile disease to even attack the body’s lymph node and blood systems.

Chest pain is by and large the most frequent symptom of pleural mesothelioma. The pain though frequently is not directly linked with the lung pleura but will appear to generate from the shoulder or upper abdomen. Another typical symptom of pleural meothelioma is shortness of breath described as dyspnea. A cough may occur as well as weight loss to the point of anorexia in particular patients.

As the pleural mesothelioma cancer tumors develop quickly and increase the pleural space, it begins to collect fluid which causes discomfort or pain. This pain is often the catalyst that sends someone to their physician for help and what sets up the situation for the diagnosis of the disease.

Pleural mesothelioma is often confused with less serious or deadly diseases such as:

Dry or raspy cough that is persistent
Hemoptysis – Blood is expelled when coughing
Dysphagia – difficulty with swallowing
Difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath
Breathing that may cause pain, or pain that occurs within the chest area
Lumps that have developed on the chest, under the skin
Fever or night sweats
Unusual weigh loss
Unusual fatigue

Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis Can Be Complex

Pleural mesothelioma typically takes decades to develop. You may not observe actual mesothelioma symptoms until many years after your first exposure to asbestos. This makes pleural mesothelioma diagnosis a difficult process.

Patients with pleural mesothelioma first experience general difficulty in breathing (dyspnea) and as well as pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest. Other mesothelioma symptoms may include hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), or sweating and fevers. An increase in waist size or abdominal pain may be a symptom of the growth of cancer cells in the stomach area and peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer of the abdomen or stomach). Both peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma patients may have poor appetites and become gaunt and thin.

Your doctor may begin your pleural mesothelioma diagnosis by analyzing your mesothelioma symptoms, which could also be signs of other cancerous or non-cancerous diseases. Even if you currently have no mesothelioma symptoms, however, it is important to tell your doctor if you have had any significant exposure to asbestos. This will help your doctor carefully monitor your health over the years, being on the look-out for asbestos diseases such as asbestosis as well as for peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma.

If you do have mesothelioma symptoms, your physician will ask for details about your exposure to asbestos and perform a complete medical examination before making a mesothelioma diagnosis. You may be asked to provide fluid and tissue samples. Imaging is also a common part of the diagnostic process. Imaging tests include x–rays, CT scans, MRI scans, and positron emission tomography or PET. Doctors use both sampling and imaging techniques to make the mesothelioma diagnosis process easier and to help distinguish pleural mesothelioma from other diseases such as lung cancer.

Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment

Nearly all patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma are able to receive some form of treatment for their illness. While there is currently no , patients have been able to extend survival rates through advanced mesothelioma treatment regimens currently being developed at mesothelioma clinics and cancer centers across the United States.

Pleural Mesothelioma Surgery

Surgical resection is difficult in pleural mesothelioma patients when the disease is diagnosed in later stages because at that time the tumor has typically metastasized to other areas of the body like the abdominal cavity and lymph nodes. However, in early stage diagnoses, surgery can absolutely be utilized to slow the advance of mesothelioma disease.

Common surgical procedures utilized in the management of malignant mesothelioma are pneumonectomy and extrapleural pneumonectomy. Pneumonectomy is a general procedure utilized not only in patients of malignant mesothelioma, but also those battling lung cancers or related lung conditions. Pleurectomy involves the removal of a portion or the entire affected lung in patients. Extrapleural pneumonectomy is a more comprehensive procedure that is more tailored to mesothelioma patients. Extrapleural pneumonectomy involves the removal of the entire affected lung, the pleura, the diaphragm, and the pericardium, which is the mesothelial lining that surrounds the heart cavity

Pleural Mesothelioma Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is likely the most prevalent treatment utilized by patients of malignant pleural mesothelioma. While several different chemotherapy drugs have been utilized to varying degrees of effectiveness for the management of malignant pleural mesothelioma, only one has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a prescribed therapy for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. A combination of Alimta (Pemetrexed) and Cisplatin is currently the only cocktail prescribed en masse for the general treatment of pleural mesothelioma. However, several other clinical trials are currently active attempting to determine the effectiveness of other drugs including Gemcitabine, Navelbine, and Onconase.

Pleural Mesothelioma Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy has been utilized in the treatment of many types of cancer and pleural mesothelioma is no different. Often, radiation is not able to manage cancer by itself so it is combined with either surgery, chemotherapy, or both to augment the treatment plan as a whole. Radiation therapy for pleural mesothelioma utilizes external beam radiation to mutate tumor cells within the body and slow their growth and spread.

Alternative Therapy for Pleural Mesothelioma

A growing school in cancer care is integrative approaches in the treatment of cancer. Integrative oncology utilizes not only the conventional therapies discussed above, but also untraditional therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and reflexology to assist the patient in managing pain, anxiety, and restlessness. Patients battling pleural mesothelioma have effectively utilized alternative therapies such as these to increase the effectiveness of their treatment program overall. Generally, patients who are able to withstand the difficult side-effects of more potent chemotherapy and radiation treatments will be best able to extend their mesothelioma prognosis. Patients of pleural mesothelioma who have utilized alternative therapies have been able to do just that. However, most of these therapies are preferential and will depend on the health of the patient as to whether or not they will be able to engage in them. As will anything, patients should seek the consultation of their physician or cancer specialist before engaging in any alternative therapy.

What Causes Pleural Mesothelioma?

Pleural mesothelioma is known only be caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring and microscopic mineral that was used for hundreds of years in a number of different industrial compounds. Asbestos fibers are extremely durable, but also extremely difficult to expel from the body once introduced to the internal tissue.

Upon inhalation, asbestos fibers will lodge on the outer layers of the lung tissue and within the pleura, a thin membrane of mesothelial cells which lines the chest cavity. This lining allows for the free movement of the body’s internal body structures because it provides a special lubrication to the surface of these structures. The pleura, like other mesothelial membrane, is a delicate structure and even microscopic asbestos fibers can cause pleural plaques to form on its surface and eventually, pleural mesothelioma tumor cells. Generally, it takes many years between asbestos exposure and the development of adverse health complications, as the fibers will slowly irritate and inflame the internal tissue until symptoms appear.

Many of those exposed to asbestos have successfully received compensation from asbestos product manufacturers for injuries and illnesses such as pleural mesothelioma. If you believe you were wrongfully exposed to asbestos and have developed an asbestos-related health complication, we urge you to complete the brief form on this page. We’ll rush you a complimentary mesothelioma and asbestos exposure information packet detailing advancements in the treatment of pleural mesothelioma, top doctors and cancer centers, and mesothelioma attorney options you may have.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

What Is Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin cell walls which surround the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum. This thin membrane acts a lubricant within the abdominal cavity so that surrounding organs and internal body structures may contract and expand within their normal body function.

Other types of mesothelioma cancer include malignant pleural mesothelioma, occurring in the cell wall surrounding the lungs, and malignant pericardial mesothelioma, which occurs in the pericardial lining of the heart. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second rarest form of the disease and accounts for approximately 20% of all mesothelioma cases each year.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Relatively little is known about pericardial mesothelioma and mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis. Doctors have not been able to sufficiently study these forms of mesothelioma because they are so rare. Pericardial mesothelioma may manifest itself with shortness of breath or chest pain. A mass on a testicle may be the first and only visible symptom of mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis.

Since it is more common, more is known about peritoneal mesothelioma. The American Cancer Society reports that peritoneal mesothelioma may exhibit symptoms such as:

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining surrounding the stomach. It is not so common with approximately 10 to 20% diagnosed mesothelioma falling into this category.

Pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining surrounding the heart. It is the rarest type of mesothelioma.

Abdominal swelling
Pain in the abdomen
A change in bowel habits, such as frequent constipation or diarrhea
Unintended weight loss
Lumps of tissue within the abdomen

Unfortunately, the appearance of these symptoms means that the tumor is growing larger. Pressure from the mesothelioma tumor leads to bowel obstruction and swelling of the abdomen as the intestines distend. This can lead to increasing pain, as the growing tumor presses against sensitive nerve fibers. The tumor may also press upward, towards the lungs causing breathing difficulty.

Test And Diagnosis Of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Imaging tests, including x-rays and CT scans are typically the first tests your doctor will order if you come in with symptoms that may indicate peritoneal mesothelioma. Since the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to other abdominal disorders, a physician will first rule out more common problems before focusing on mesothelioma.

If the imaging tests come back with suspicious indications, a biopsy will be needed. A procedure called peritoneoscopy will be performed to look inside the abdominal cavity. Peritoneoscopy is performed under anesthesia. The doctor will take small tissue samples of any suspicious areas. These samples will be examined under a microscope by a pathologist who will determine if they are cancerous. If they are cancerous, the pathologist will determine whether they are epitheloid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic (mixed); this will help the doctor decide what treatment may be best. These tests will also be used to determine the stage at which the cancer has developed.

Treatment of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Here are two surgical interventions administered to patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Pleurectomy: an operation is performed to remove the abdomen and some of the surrounding tissue and coating. This procedure is performed for a variety of trauma conditions such as pleural effusion, malignant pleural mesothelioma, ed.

Pleurectomy / decortication: Surgery is carried out, belly to remove part of AA Food (PD) and how much of the tumor as possible. This procedure can be performed to pain, which is to reduce the tumor mass. This form of assistance can usually be the applicant relief of symptoms such as ascites or bowel obstruction should be sought.

Chemotherapy: This treatment is given to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be taken in the form of pills or syringes. Chemotherapy is also known as a systematic> Treatment because the drug into the bloodstream, travels through the body and can kill cancer cells throughout the body.

Radiotherapy: This treatment is administered in the form of high-energy neutrons X-rays, gamma rays and other radiation sources are used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Studies have shown that one of the treatments listed above are not only to improve conditionsPatients. Instead, it combines all of the above options is well known that patents to improve the chances of survival.

What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is known only to be caused by exposure to asbestos, a microscopic natural fiber that was used heavily in industry. Asbestos is said to reach the abdominal wall by one of two methods. The first is through ingested asbestos fibers which are processed through digestion and become lodged in peritoneum. These other method is through the lungs and lymph nodes, by inhaled asbestos fibers. Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura is also known to metastasize directly into the abdominal cavity if its spread is not slowed.

Many of those who have worked with asbestos materials have developed peritoneal mesothelioma as a result of exposure to friable asbestos fibers. Asbestos was used in myriad industrial materials and construction products. Exposure to asbestos was common in aluminum plants, steel mills, power plants, and naval shipyards.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a relatively rare disease, with only 200-500 diagnoses each year in the United States being documented. Risk however, is sustained in those who have been exposed to asbestos. Even those exposed many years ago are potentially at risk for the development of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Latency between exposure to asbestos and the development of peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can be anywhere from 20-50 years. Misdiagnosis is also common because peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms closely mimic minor stomach/abdominal discomfort and hernia. Nevertheless, those with clear asbestos exposure history should be aware of the disease and speak with their doctor or cancer specialist if they believe they be experiencing symptoms related to mesothelioma.

What is Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining around the lungs, heart, and abdominal cavities – called the mesothelium – which is primarily caused by chronic exposure to asbestos or asbestos related products. As asbestos fibers enter the body, either by breathing or swallowing, they cause normally healthy cells to mutate into cancer. This exposure can come directly, such as working in an asbestos processing center, or indirectly by inhalation of residual asbestos particles remaining on clothing or building materials. Studies show that exposure as short as one year can cause a variety of asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma

Different Types of Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleura (lining surrounding the lungs). Over 80% of diagnosed mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, making it the most common type of mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining surrounding the stomach. It is not so common with approximately 10 to 20% diagnosed mesothelioma falling into this category.

Pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining surrounding the heart. It is the rarest type of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma and Cell Mutations.

Mesothelioma causes the cells of the mesothelium to mutate and multiply infinitely. This mutation causes tumors that can prevent proper lung and heart function. Because the cells of the mesothelium are responsible for providing fluid lubrication for the body’s internal organs, mesothelioma is particularly insidious because it can affect multiple organs simultaneously, usually without major symptoms or pain. Mesothelioma can also invade parts of the immune system, including bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen, where it continues to mutate and destroy healthy cells.

Development Time of Mesothelioma:

The cancerous cells also lie dormant for many years, and it is not uncommon for the first effects of mesothelioma to appear 20 to 30 years after initial exposure. Unfortunately, there is no cure for mesothelioma, and treatment ranges from preventive surgery to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. By the time symptoms manifest, it is quite often too late. Because mesothelioma lays dormant for so long, post diagnosis survival ranges from 1-5 years depending on the stage of the cancer and the age and condition of the victim.

Persons who are at a maximum risk of developing mesothelioma could include the following.

Workers in asbestos mines
Persons living in close proximity to asbestos mines
Workers in the construction industry who handle material containing asbestos
Workers of asbestos removal companies who were in direct contact with asbestos dust
Workers responsible for house / building renovations
Workers involved in ship building
Workers involved in ship renovation
Workers involved in ship breaking
Persons who come into direct contact with any of the above mentioned workers, especially friends and members of the family. Fine asbestos particles that are not seen with the naked eye get lodged in such persons hair and clothing and could be inhaled by persons coming into contact with them.

The United Kingdom and South Africa have the highest rate of susceptibility, with 8 patients out of every 100,000 people are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. Australia and Western Europe have approximately 6 cases of this disease per 100,000 people, the United States and Eastern Europe with 2-3 patients suffering from this form of cancer out of every 100,000 residents.

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

A diagnosis for mesothelioma will usually begin with the physician / surgeon reviewing a complete medical history of the patient. This is followed by a thorough physical examination depending upon the mesothelioma signs and symptoms described by the patient. The signs and symptoms could include shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing caused by lung compression, mild to severe constant pain in the chest, lungs surrounded by excess fluid, fatigue caused without any apparent reason, blood traces in the sputum, sudden unexplained weight loss, constant pain (mild to excessive) in the abdomen, swelling of the abdomen, sudden noticeable change in bowel movement with constant diarrhea or constipation, and tissue lumps in the abdomen.

The physical tests will include imaging tests to search for and determine cancerous cells / formation. These imaging tests could include one or more of the following.

— X-rays
— CAT / CT scan
— MRI scan
— PET scan

Other tests to determine mesothelioma by means of a biopsy could include the following.

— Thoracoscopy
— Peritoneoscopy

Detecting Mesothelioma Using X-rays
A chest or an abdomen x-ray will allow the physician / surgeon to see through layers of skin and surface tissue. The x-rays show fluid / mass build-up and help in determining any incidence of mesothelioma in the lungs, abdomen, or heart.

X-rays are one of the oldest methods of diagnosing mesothelioma and come with a few flaws. The x-rays are known to miss the tiny growths that are caused in mesothelioma, leading to further delay in correct diagnosis and possibly endangering the life of the patient.

Detecting Mesothelioma Using CAT / CT Scan
CT / CAT (computed axial tomography) scans are basically three dimensional x-rays that are able to project extremely detailed internal pictures of the organs, bones and skeletal structures. CT scan is a method of combining images from multiple x-rays using a computer to reproduce cross sectional or three-dimensional pictures of internal organs. It is useful in determining the location and spread of mesothelioma. They are much more accurate in detail than the x-ray, helping the physician / surgeon make a more accurate diagnosis. One of the drawbacks of CT scans is that it cannot differentiate between benign or malignant mesothelioma.

Detecting Mesothelioma Using MRI Scan
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are more sophisticated than the x-ray and CT scans. It makes use of high magnetic fields and radio waves, and with the help of a computer give physicians / surgeons a clear picture of the internal organs and skeletal structure. MRI scans are extremely clear and very useful in detecting mesothelioma related soft tissue growths and determining the severity of the tumor.

Detecting Mesothelioma Using PET Scans
PET (positron emission tomography) imaging is the best and most widely used imaging technology for diagnosing mesothelioma. PET scans use cameras and tracers that form images to indicate biological changes which are able to detect extremely small cancerous tumors. They are much superior in their image quality and details when compared to x-rays, CAT scans, and even MRI scans. PET scans also help the physician / surgeon in determining the staging of the cancer.

Thoracoscopy
Thoracoscopy is a process where the surgeon will make a small incision in the chest wall and insert an instrument known as a thoracoscope (fitted with a miniature camera and light) to examine and obtain a tissue sample for further biopsy.

Peritoneoscopy
Peritoneoscopy is a process where the surgeon will make a small incision in the abdomen to extract a sample tissue for further biopsy.

What After a Positive Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Once diagnosed with mesothelioma even the strongest in heart and mind can become weak. The current survival time after positive diagnosis is just 12 to 18 months (some will not even survive this long).

There is some soothing news for persons who will be diagnosed positive for mesothelioma in the future. New tests and medications which are very promising are undergoing trial and should get the survival time after diagnosis to a minimum of 5 years or more. With rapid advancements in technology, the survival time after mesothelioma diagnosis will just keep getting better and better.

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