Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common and most aggressive of all mesotheliomas. It is most commonly found in Caucasian men over the age of fifty. Occupations most often associated with the development of mesothelioma can include asbestos miners, factory workers, such as insulation factory workers, railroad workers, ship builders, automotive workers, and workers in the heating and construction industries.

Although a rare cancer, malignant pleural mesothelioma is one of the most aggressive. It can lie dormant for decades but once pleural mesothelioma takes hold it moves quickly and aggressively. Although mesothelioma can be defined as both cancerous (malignant) or benign (non-cancerous), and can be further defined by its location…pleural, pericardial or peritoneal, for the purposes of this article we will be discussing only malignant pleural mesothelioma. Both pericardial mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma will be discussed in additional articles.

Malignant pleural mesothelioma affects the mesothelium lining between the lungs and the ribs. This cancer is found in the cells of the pleura or lining surrounding the outside of the lungs and the inside of the ribs. Workers exposed to asbestos are most at risk for the development of malignant mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure that occurred over twenty or thirty years ago is a primary factor in the development of malignant pleural mesothelioma. It is actually the exposure to the asbestos fibers that are either inhaled or swallowed that ultimately cause the problem. The asbestos fibers work their way into the smaller parts of the lungs where they lie dormant until they begin to cause problems.

Malignant Mesothelioma Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of malignant pleural mesothelioma might include shortness of breath, persistent cough, and even chest pain. Other symptoms such as weight loss, general fatigue and weakness may also be experienced. Diagnosing mesothelioma is a difficult task because it often mimics other diseases. Your primary physician will conduct a thorough physical exam, obtain blood work, a chest x-ray, and perhaps a CT scan or MRI scan in order to gather the most information to determine the true cause of your symptoms.

Once a definitive diagnosis has been made it is important to seek aggressive and immediate treatment. A physician that specializes in the treatment of mesothelioma is the best option. Treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma might include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. A combination of treatment options is generally the most common plan of care for mesothelioma patients.

Bottom line, if you have been diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma it is of utmost importance that you seek early and aggressive treatment by a physician with experience in treating this rare and complex cancer.