Pleural mesothelioma
is a variety of the rare cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Patients
diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have cancerous growths in the tissues
surrounding their lungs. The only known cause of pleural mesothelioma is
asbestos exposure, and men between ages 50 and 70 are more coMMonly
diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma than any other demographic.
There are generally two categories of pleural mesothelioma, localized and
benign, and generalized and malignant. The localized and benign version of
pleural mesothelioma is not considered life-threatening and is easily
removed through surgery. Patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma that
is malignant often have one year or less to live. The early symptoms of
pleural mesothelioma are often vague: shortness of breath, chest pains, and
coughing; many times individuals with pleural mesothelioma never experience
early symptoms at all. The only way for a doctor to identify possible
pleural mesothelioma is through an X-Ray or CT scan. Following this
procedure, if a potential pleural mesothelioma tumor is located, the doctor
generally conducts a thoroscopy, after which a biopsy can identify pleural
mesothelioma positively. Treatment will usually coMMence immediately, in an
attempt to act before the pleural mesothelioma has a chance to spread even
further. The various treatments available for combating pleural mesothelioma
are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. In some cases, there is no chance
to remove the pleural mesothelioma, and in that case, surgery is usually
performed to improve the patient’s quality of life. Pleural mesothelioma
patients suffer from buildup of fluid in the lungs, so the fluid is drained,
and pleural mesothelioma patients may also have their tumors reduced in
size, through surgery or other treatment.
Pleural mesothelioma is a rare but extremely serious cancer, and the
links between asbestos exposure and pleural mesothelioma may mean that the
patient’s employer or another party bears some culpability for the disease.
Pleural mesothelioma patients and their families may be entitled to recovery
losses associated with pleural mesothelioma, including medical costs, loss
of wages, mental hardship, and punitive damages.
For more information about pleural mesothelioma and whether you are
legally entitled to financial compensation, Contact a Mesothelioma Attorney
familiar with pleural mesothelioma cases.
only
be caused by asbestos) are necessary. There is a statute of
limitations on mesothelioma cases so make sure that you file
within a couple years of diagnosis. If left too long you may not
be 
