Malignant pleural mesothelioma is the commonest form of mesothelioma, which is a cancer having an impact on the mesothelium. Only around 3000 total mesothelioma cases are reported a year in the US and the pleural form accounts for three quarters of it. It has effects on the pleura, which is the lining that protects the lungs. The pleura is constructed with two membranous layers to shores up the lungs and shields the lung hole. While the outer layer guards the chest hole and diaphragm, the inner one called the visceral layer encloses the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma often attacks one of these layers at first but may spread to the other layer too. The malignancy is invariably due to the asbestos particles surrounded in the spaces available between mesothelium cells after being inhaled.
Once the particles settle down, they cause some chemical reactions that result in the cells dividing without any order. This process thickens the pleural cells causing a fluid build-up called pleural effusion. This excess fluid accumulation prevents easy breathing by compressing the lungs. Intermittent dry cough, coughing up blood, difficulty in swallowing, breath shortness, unexplainable weight loss, weakness, formation of lumps under the skin around the chest etc are the most visible testimonials of pleural mesothelioma.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer is also very tricky because the very same symptoms herald the arrival of other illnesses like influenza and pneumonia too. Doctors examine the health history of the patient and put him through imaging tests like x-rays, MRI, CT scan and biopsy to determine the type of mesothelioma and its extent of infection.
Traditional treatments like surgery, medicated treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most common cure employed against malignant pleural mesothelioma. If the situation is acute, two or all three so these are simultaneously to increase survival prospects. Even with all the aggressive treatments available, mesothelioma prognosis is not at the desired levels so far. The most important reason for this is that the cancer is mostly detected only in the last stages, but if detected early, there are bright chances of successful recovery.
As the cancer is due to asbestos exposure, those suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma are entitled to legal support and can claim compensation from those directly accountable for causing the infection. The amount, that might run to millions in a number of cases, can act as a financial cushion for hospital charges arising from the disease.