Mesothelioma pleural

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer and it's really difficult to treat. Its only known cause is exposure to asbestos (a minerals found in nature that have been employed for many purposes over the years). Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleura lining in the chest cavity outside the lungs. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma often appear 20 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos, although they may manifest as soon as ten years following exposure. Pleural mesothelioma victims tend to be males between the ages of 50 to 70.

The symptoms.
Pleural mesothelioma initially appear like a common cold or other minor respiratory infection, making the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma difficult in the early stages. Shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, and occasionally a fever or weight loss are all early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. As the condition worsens, the symptoms become more acute. Pain in the abdomen, severe cough and shortness of breath are more sevre. If pleural mesothelioma is suspected, the physician will can order X-rays or a CT scan. If the chest images show possible tumors, a confirmation of pleural mesothelioma can be obtained through a procedure known as thoracoscopy, where a small instrument is inserted into the chest cavity to look for tumors. If the pleural mesothelioma has caused fluid to build up in the pleurum, an additional procedure known as a throacentesis may be conducted at the same time. A throacentesis allows the doctor to drain the fluid from the pleurum of a pleural mesothelioma patient, aiding in diagnosis and alleviating symptoms such as restricted breathing.

The diagnosis
If a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is reached, the next step is to "stage" the cancer(a procedure used by doctors to determine the severity of the cancer) and determine the level of treatment, if any is possible. The least invasive case of pleural mesothelioma is the Stage I. It has the best chance for positive response to treatment. Pleural mesothelioma in Stages II-V is considered advanced and typically is inoperable. Most pleural mesothelioma cases are not discovered until they have moved into later stages.

Surgery
Surgery is the first option for treatment of pleural mesothelioma :
Palliative surgery, which is made to relieve the painful symptoms of pleural mesothelioma; buildup of fluids or tumor growth.
Aggressive surgery, to remove as much as possible of the tumor and attempt a cure.
Due to their advanced age and late diagnosis, patient with pleural mesothelioma usually are only eligible for palliative surgery, which is designed to make the patient as comfortable as possible without attempting to cure the cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is extremely difficult to operate. Odds are low for a successful removal of all of the cancer. If there is an attempt to cure pleural mesothelioma, surgery is usually combined with radiology, chemotherapy, or both.

The survival rate for victims of pleural mesothelioma is very low. Treatments are constantly improving, and patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma should not give up hope. New technologies and treatments hold great promise. Because asbestos exposure have been proven to cause pleural mesothelioma, patients diagnosed with this disease may be eligible for medical benefits and other expenses associated with pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma victims and their familly should talk to an attorney who has experience representing persons affected by pleural mesothelioma to learn more about the civil laws regulating such cases.

Short life expectancy and a 100% mortality rate (according to the latest medical research data). Once a diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have been made, a person and his or her family need to move to view the therapy options. In the event that your family member qualifies for inclusion in a current class action mesothelioma lawsuit, you will need to contact a qualified mesothelioma lawyer specialized in Mesothelioma Lawsuit.