Pleural Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that strikes the cells that comprise the lining of the body’s organs. This lining is known as mesothelium. It is essentially a sac that protects vital organs such as are the chest, heart and abdomen. The organs move within this sac.
So long as the mesothelium is healthy, the organs will work properly. However, if one contracts mesothelioma, the mesothelium will become abnormal and affect the organs it is designed to protect. Of all the organs protected by mesothelium, the lungs are often the most affected. When mesothelioma is diagnosed in the lungs it is referred to as pleural mesothelioma.
Exposure to asbestos fibers is the greatest risk factor for contracting pleural mesothelioma. In fact about ¾ of all cases of mesothelioma are due to asbestos. Asbestos are fibers that has been used in building materials, cement, brake lining and textiles. Pleural mesothelioma can occur from either primary exposure to asbestos or even secondary.
Once a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is made, there really is not much that can be done. Typically the diagnoses do not even occur until the pleural mesothelioma has entered later stages. Actions can be taken to keep the patient free from pain. However, most cases of pleural mesothelioma are fatal.
