Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibers that become stuck in the pleura tissue lining the lungs. It typically develops 15-60 years after exposure. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type because asbestos exposure was widespread, putting many workers at risk. Staging the cancer is important for determining prognosis and treatment options. Higher stages mean the cancer has spread further. Pleural effusion, or fluid buildup in the lungs, is a common complication that causes breathing problems.

1. Home / Mesothelioma / Pleural Mesothelioma / Pleural Mesothelioma Question & Answers
Pleural Mesothelioma Question & Answers
LIVECHAT

2. On This Page [show]
What is malignant pleural mesothelioma?
Malignant pleural mesothelioma is caused when asbestos fibers or dust is inhaled and sticks in the pleura
tissue that coats the lungs and chest cavity.
These fibers can cause irritation in the tissue, resulting in pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening, pleural effusion, and other
conditions.
LIVECHAT

3. Malignant pleural mesothelioma does not typically develop until 15 to 60 years after a person was exposed to asbestos.
Why is malignant pleural mesothelioma the most common type of
mesothelioma?
Most people are exposed to asbestos when fibers from asbestos-containing materials become airborne. This could happen when
cutting, sanding, drilling, filing, or otherwise disturbing these dangerous materials. In the past, some workers also were exposed to
raw asbestos, which was mixed with other materials to form products such as asbestos cement.
Airborne asbestos fibers could easily drift across an entire worksite, putting everyone in the vicinity at risk, not just those who were
working directly with the material. This widespread exposure risk makes pleural mesothelioma the most common type of the
disease.
Is the stage assigned to my pleural mesothelioma important?
Yes. An accurate staging of your disease is needed to determine your prognosis and most effective treatment(s).
The treatment options are typically based on the extent of the cancer, which is determined by staging. A localized cancer would
be identified as Stage 1, for example, and can involve a surgically removable tumor. Once the cancer cells have spread beyond
that original location, and a higher stage level is designated, the mesothelioma is considered advanced and surgery is often no
longer an option.
The most popular staging system used for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM System developed by the International Mesothelioma
Interest Group. The letters TNM stand for Tumor, lymph Node, and Metastasis. This system is similar to the staging systems used
for other cancers and can be summarized as follows:
Stage I. In Stage I mesothelioma, one side of the chest’s pleural lining (the pleura) has tumors. The cancer has spread to the
outer lining of the lungs, but it is minimal. Cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes.
LIVECHAT

4. Stage II. Stage II mesothelioma is characterized by tumors on one side of the pleura. Tumors have spread to the outer lung
lining, the diaphragm, or the lung itself.
Stage III. In Stage III mesothelioma one side of the pleura has tumors, and tumors have spread to the first layer of the chest
wall, a single spot in the chest wall, the chest’s fatty parts, the heart‘s outer layer, or any lymph nodes on the same side of the
chest as the primary cancer.
Stage IV. Stage IV mesothelioma is found on one side of the pleura in addition to any of the following areas: the pleura on the
other side of the chest, the chest wall, chest organs or any other organs in the body, the diaphragm, blood vessels, the spine,
the nerves leading to the arm, or the lymph nodes on the opposite side of the primary cancer site.
Although the stage of the cancer is important in determining a patient’s prognosis, additional factors are also important when
assessing life expectancy. The patient‘s age at disease diagnosis, status as a smoker or non-smoker, mesothelioma type, the
length of time between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms, a patient‘s overall health, and other factors all play a role in
patient outlook.
What is pleural effusion?
Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid around the lungs. When the fluid contains cancer cells, it is known as malignant pleural
effusion.
Fluid buildup restricts the natural movement of the lung, resulting in shortness of breath, a feeling of tightness in the chest, and
pain. Pleural effusion is not a disease; it is a complication of an underlying disorder.
Most pleural mesothelioma patients have pleural effusion. To treat the buildup of fluid, a procedure called thoracentesis is
performed. This must be done before further treatment can be administered. Draining fluid from the pleural cavity usually provides
immediate relief of unpleasant symptoms.
Search …
Mesothelioma
LIVECHAT

5. Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Financial Help
Mesothelioma Meaning
Symptoms
Stages
Prognosis & Survival Rate Information
Diagnosis
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma Question & Answers
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Testicular Mesothelioma
Cell Types
Facts & Statistics
Mesothelioma Questions & Answers
Select your diagnosis *
Mesothelioma
How can we help? *
LIVECHAT

6. Email *
Phone *
After you enter your information you will receive your book and additional materials in accordance with our privacy policy.
Send Message
Name *
First Last
LIVECHAT

7. We’d like to offer you our in-depth guide, “A Patient’s Guide to Mesothelioma,” absolutely free of charge.
It contains a wealth of information and resources to help you better understand the condition, choose (and afford) appropriate
treatment, and exercise your legal right to compensation.
Free Mesothelioma Patient
& Treatment Guide
LIVECHAT

8. Download Now
877-MESOTHELIOMA
Live Chat
Send a Message
Top Resources
Mesothelioma Guide
What is Mesothelioma?
Certifications
HONcode Certified
Connect with Us
LIVECHAT

9. Treatment Options
Veterans
Legal Options
News
About Us
Contact Us
Disclaimer
Privacy Policy
Site Map
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
Office Location
Copyright 2018 MesotheliomaHelp.org
The information provided by Mesothelioma Help is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Mesothelioma Help is sponsored by Belluck & Fox, LLP
Site by Consultwebs
LIVECHAT