Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma symptoms may not manifest till 20 or 30 years after the exposure to asbestos occurred. In rare circumstances, the exposure was more than 30 years prior to the onset of symptoms. If a person had any exposure to asbestos at any time, he needs to make sure his doctor is aware of it.

Pleural Mesothelioma symptoms are so similar to the symptoms of less serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, that a doctor could unknowingly waste valuable time trying to cure a disease you do not have. However should your physician know of your asbestos exposure he will quickly begin testing for Mesothelioma.

The symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma can be coughing, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the face and neck, weight loss, fever, rasping, coughing up blood, breathlessness while active or resting, and pain in the chest or ribs. The thickening of the pleura is caused by tumor growth. As the tumor load increases or grows, the symptoms become more serious.

How a doctor chooses to treat Pleural Mesothelioma depends on a number of factors. The first factor the doctor will consider is how far the cancer has advanced. This will be determined by a series of tests. General well being, age, one's health history, even one's weight are areas that will be evaluated to decide the treatment plan.

The three common ways of treating Pleural Mesothelioma are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Surgery will be used if the physician believes that removing a portion of the lungs and the lining. Surgery will also be used to drain fluid. Once the fluid is drained, the patient will be more comfortable. Fluid build up may have to be drained by surgery more than once.

Chemotherapy is when a doctor administers drugs in either a pill or through needle. The chemotherapy drugs travel through the blood stream killing cancerous cells.

Radiation is the administering of powerful x-rays pointed specifically at the tumor. Radiation shrinks the tumor and kills cancer cells as well.

Plural Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer. By early discovery, one's chances of successful treatment are greatly improved.