What Causes Pleural Mesothelioma?Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lung lining as well as the chest cavity. This lining is called the pleura.Mesothelioma develops when cells change and grow in uncontrolled ways. Asbestos fibers can cause this to occur. This can cause symptoms like breathlessness and coughing. Pleural mesothelioma cancer can cause lumps in the abdomen or chest.Asbestos ExposurePleural mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals with thin microscopic fibers. The fibers are breathed in, and can lodge in the lining of the chest and lungs (called the pleura). As time passes, the fibers cause inflammation and scarring that can eventually lead to cancer. The cancerous cells change and grow into tumors that then spread. The symptoms could include coughing up blood and difficulty swallowing, chest pain, shortness of breath (dyspnea) and fatigue.Asbestos, a naturally occurring material, was widely employed in the construction industry and automotive components before scientists realized its dangers. The most prevalent mesothelioma risk factors are working with asbestos or having a family member who has, and a genetic mutation that can increase your risk of contracting the disease.Asbestos exposure is a leading cause of pleural mesothelioma. It accounts for as much as 88% of all cases. The symptoms usually manifest between 20 and 60 years after exposure. The majority of patients are diagnosed after the age of 70. This lengthy latency period makes mesothelioma difficult to diagnose.The people most at risk of pleural mesothelioma are blue-collar workers and military veterans who were exposed to asbestos in their workplaces or homes. Asbestos was used in many fireproofing materials, as well in the equipment that firefighters and power plant operators use to combat fires and operate electrical equipment. Construction workers are at risk due to asbestos in pipes, insulation and other building materials. Workers are at risk of exposing their families to asbestos fibers in their clothing and equipment.If you have symptoms after asbestos exposure, you must consult a doctor. The doctor should be informed of the extent of exposure to asbestos and the duration. They should also provide an exhaustive health history. The doctor can order chest Xrays and lung function tests to determine how well the lungs are functioning. If the doctor suspects mesothelioma, they can request a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis. This procedure can be done through VATS (a kind of keyhole operation) or using the use of a CT guided needle biopsy.GeneticsPleural mesothelioma happens when cancerous cells invade the pleura. It usually takes between 20 and 50 years for mesothelioma tumors to develop and cause symptoms, which vary by the location. The most common pleural mesothelioma symptoms are difficulty breathing back or chest pain, unexplained weight loss and coughing.A doctor who suspects mesothelioma is present will perform a physical examination to check for symptoms of the disease. X-rays or CT scans could also be used to determine the severity of the disease. A biopsy is used to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. This involves taking a sample of tissue to be examined under a microscope to look for malignant cancerous cells. A biopsy can be done via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or through needle aspiration using a local anesthetic, guided by an CT scan.As part of treatment, patients suffering from pleural cancer will likely receive a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. This multimodal therapy is a key to improving mesothelioma prognoses and survival rates.Researchers continue to explore ways to improve the treatment and prognosis for mesothelioma. Genetic testing is among the most important advancements in the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. It helps doctors determine which patients are more likely to respond to aggressive treatment.Mesothelioma researchers such as Dr. Raphael Bueno, a surgeon who treats thoracic patients at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston is using methods of genomic mapping to discover mutation patterns in mesothelioma tumors. They are also collecting non-cancerous samples to establish a baseline against which they can evaluate mutations.Pleural mesothelioma isn't curable however, an array of treatment options can significantly prolong the life time. It is important to seek out treatment at a mesothelioma specialist facility that has experience treating pleural mesothelioma and provides various treatment options. A mesothelioma specialist will discuss your individual prognosis and suggest the best treatment plan for your needs. A healthy lifestyle and proactive actions can improve your prognosis. For example, reducing your exposure to asbestos-containing products in your workplace and following your doctor's recommendations can reduce your chance of developing mesothelioma. Additionally, engaging in regular exercise and eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight will improve your overall health.Environmental ExposurePleural mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity. The cancer develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled and deposited in the pleura, a double layer of tissue that encircles most organs. The fibers can cause inflammation and scarring, which can lead to tumors. Mesothelioma can also affect other tissues, including the lung.Most cases of asbestos-related pleural mesothelioma are found in industrial workplaces. These include power plants, factories, refineries and construction sites. People who were employed in these positions particularly for extended periods of time or at high levels are at the greatest risk. Mesothelioma is less likely develop from short-term or single asbestos exposures, but it can happen. Certain people have been exposed to the mineral fibers of asbestos through living with someone who has worked with asbestos. Radiation exposure, such as X-rays that are used to diagnose other conditions, is also linked to mesothelioma.The symptoms of pleural tumors vary depending on the type of tumor and the location. is mesothelioma only caused by asbestos have chest pain, a dry, coughing cough fatigue and weight loss, as well as difficulty swallowing. Certain patients with mesothelioma of the pleural region also have fluid in their lungs, called Pleural effusion, which makes breathing harder. Certain people have chest lumps that doctors refer to as pleural plates.Doctors may diagnose pleural mesothelioma by using blood tests and imaging tests. If these tests show mesothelioma, a biopsy will be required to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is possible via VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or CT-guided core biopsy.Those diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma are often able to live longer if diagnosed early and treated promptly. Symptoms can be similar to symptoms of other diseases and make it difficult for healthcare professionals and doctors to recognize the condition. This is why many people are not diagnosed until the cancer has spread. It is essential to be aware of the risks of asbestos exposure and to be checked.SmokingPleural mesothelioma is a form of asbestos that develops when fibers reach the lungs. When inhaled, these fibers puncture the lining of lung (pleura) and cause it to grow thicker. This causes a build-up of fluid and the formation of tumors. They may be associated with other symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as shortness of breath. The cancerous tissue in the lungs could be spread to other parts of your body, affecting different organs and causing additional symptoms.A doctor will determine if a patient has mesothelioma pleural by taking the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They may also request imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, in order to identify the location of the tumors. They may also take tissue samples, called biopsy, to check for mesothelioma.Chest pain, breath shortness and difficulty breathing are all symptoms of asbestosis pleural. These symptoms are often mistaken for other ailments. Additionally, mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer and many doctors have very little or no experience treating it. As a result patients should seek a second opinion from an expert.The medical team will create the treatment plan once an diagnosis has been made to manage symptoms and improve the patient's quality-of-life. The doctor will go over the different options for treatment and answer any questions or concerns the patient or their family members have.The aim is to minimize symptoms of pleural asbestosis and stop the disease from spreading. This can be accomplished by surgery to improve breathing or using tubes inside the chest to drain fluid regularly at home. Other treatments include chemotherapy, in which drugs are used to eliminate cancerous cells and prevent growing. The drug pemetrexed, for instance, is frequently utilized in conjunction with carboplatin and cisplatin to treat pleural mesothelioma.If a patient is diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It is most commonly found in the peritoneum. It may also spread to the diaphragm and the central nervous system. People diagnosed with this stage suffer a more bleak outlook than those diagnosed with earlier stages.