subject: Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma - The Triggers And Treatment Options [print this page] Malignant pleural mesothelioma affects the pleural mesothelium, a shielding lining around the lungs and accounts for more than two-thirds of the three thousand mesothelioma cases reported in the United States alone every year. The pleura, which is constructed with two layers, helps and protects the lung cavity. The external stratum protects the diaphragm while the inner layer, the visceral layer, covers the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma mostly infects only one of these layers at the beginning stages and sometimes spreads to the other layer also. The disease occurs to people who had inhaled asbestos filled air for ongoing periods. After penetrating the human body, these debris get stuck in areas between the mesothelium cells and disturbs their normal function.
As soon enough as these harmful particles are stuck, they procuce a chemical reaction that makes the cells break down in an abnormal manner. This process thickens the pleural cells causing a fluid build-up described as pleural effusion. This surplus 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.
Diagnosing pleural mesothelioma is fraught with dangers because these symptoms can be the result of other diseases like pneumonia and influenza too. It calls for proper examination of the health-related history of the patient, imaging tests like CT scan, MRI, X-ray and biopsy to establish the type and class of the cancer.
Traditional treatments like surgery, medicated treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most typical cure employed against malignant pleural mesothelioma. In the event the situation is acute, two or all three so these are used at the same time to increase survival prospects. Although advanced treatment options are available, mesothelioma prognosis is yet to be in the sought after level to date. 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 responsible for causing the infection. The amount, which may run to millions in some cases, can act as a financial cushion for medical expenses arising from the disease.
