Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Attacks the Lungs

Pleural mesothelioma, also known as malignant pleural mesothelioma, is a cancer that attacks the pleura, or the lining, of the lungs. It accounts for more than two-thirds of all malignant mesothelioma cases.

Causes

This type of mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that was used in a wide range of products because it is flexible and does not burn. Some asbestos-containing products are brake pads, roofing shingles, floor tiles and insulation material. When asbestos-containing products are disturbed, e.g. by hammering or cutting, they can release asbestos fibers. Asbestos fibers are not visible to the human eye and remain suspended in the air for long periods. Thus, people in the vicinity who are not wearing masks can inhale asbestos fibers. Once asbestos fibers enter the body, they become trapped in organs such as the lungs. Asbestos fibers in the lungs end up in the pleura. A chemical reaction in the pleura leads to the development of pleural mesothelioma.

Jobs that Involve the Risk of Developing Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

Jobs that involve working with asbestos products lead to asbestos exposure and the development of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Workers at risk of developing the cancer include mechanics, construction workers, sheet metal workers, boilermakers, electricians and power plant workers.

Unfortunately, it is not only people who worked with asbestos products who are at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Household members of people who work with asbestos products are also at risk from secondary asbestos exposure. Secondary asbestos exposure occurs when someone inhales asbestos fibers clinging on the clothing of an asbestos worker. This inhalation often occurs when washing the clothes of an asbestos worker.

Pleural Mesothelioma Develops Decades After Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma cancer develops decades after exposure to asbestos has taken place. Thus, exposure to asbestos is not harmless simply because a person was exposed to asbestos a long time ago. Due to the long latency period, the cancer strikes in the later stages of life. Many people who are diagnosed are retired workers who worked with asbestos decades ago.

Pleural mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose in part because of the non-specific nature of its symptoms. A physical exam is the first step in the diagnostic procedure. Since asbestos exposure is the cause of pleural mesothelioma, it is important to let your doctor know whether you were exposed to asbestos.

The physical exam is typically followed by a chest x-ray. Masses and scarring that indicate pleural mesothelioma can be seen on x-rays. If x-ray results seem abnormal, newer imaging techniques such as a CAT scan or MRI may be used to diagnose malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Once an abnormal mass has been detected, a thoracentesis and/or biopsy may be performed Thoracentesis is a surgical procedure used to remove fluid from the pleural space. This procedure is necessary because more than 90% of patients with pleural mesothelioma have excessive fluid collection in the pleural space. A biopsy is the procedure for collecting tissue. This technique involves extracting tissue from a suspicious mass with a needle.

Depending on whether a thoracentesis or a biopsy was performed, the collected fluid or tissue is sent to pathologists or cytologists for investigation. These specialists study the sample fluid or tissue to determine if they contain cancerous cells. If the specialist cannot definitively diagnose pleural mesothelioma, more intrusive techniques may be used. One such intrusive technique is known as thoracoscopy. In a thoracoscopy, a lighted scope is inserted into the chest. If this procedure reveals abnormal masses, tissue samples may be extracted from the masses for the detection of cancerous cells.

What should you do if you have been diagnosed with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma?

If you have been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, you should explore the option of participating in mesothelioma clinical trials with your doctor. Clinical trials for mesothelioma involve testing the effectiveness of experimental drugs. In addition, you should explore your legal options. Mesothelioma is asbestos-related cancer that could have been avoided. Many people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma developed the disease because companies in the asbestos industry failed to disclose the lethal dangers of asbestos or provide masks to prevent asbestos exposure even though the companies knew that asbestos exposure can lead to cancer.

The mesothelioma lawyers of Weitz & Luxenberg have won millions of dollars from successful lawsuits. Weitz & Luxenberg is a leading law firm that has protected the rights of thousands of people with pleural mesothelioma and other types of asbestos cancer. The firm accepts mesothelioma cases from all across the U.S. and certain regions of Canada. Weitz & Luxenberg asbestos attorneys have been recognized as the "Best Lawyers of New York" by New York Magazine. For a free online case review, please complete the form on this page. We will be in contact with you shortly.