Cancer in Pleura of Lungs: Understanding Mesothelioma

The pleura is a thin membrane that lines the inside of your chest cavity and surrounds your lungs. It helps your lungs expand and contract as you breathe. **Cancer in the pleura of the lungs**, more commonly known as **pleural mesothelioma**, is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that develops in the pleura. This cancer is most often caused by exposure to asbestos, a fibrous mineral that was once widely used in building materials and other products.

What is Pleural Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that arises from the mesothelial cells that line the pleura, the peritoneum , or the pericardium . **Pleural mesothelioma** specifically refers to cancer that develops in the pleura of the lungs. It's a highly aggressive disease with a poor prognosis, but its rarity makes it difficult to diagnose and treat effectively.

Types of Pleural Mesothelioma

There are different types of pleural mesothelioma, classified based on the cell type involved:

Epithelial Mesothelioma: The most common type, accounting for about 60% of cases. This subtype tends to grow quickly and is associated with a poorer prognosis compared to other subtypes.
Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma: This type is more aggressive than epithelial mesothelioma but accounts for a smaller percentage of cases.
Biphasic Mesothelioma: This type exhibits features of both epithelial and sarcomatoid mesothelioma.
Desmoplastic Mesothelioma: Characterized by a fibrous, scar-like appearance, this type is less aggressive than other subtypes.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can vary depending on the stage and location of the tumor. Some common signs include:

Shortness of breath: As the tumor grows, it can compress the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
Chest pain: This pain is often sharp and can worsen with deep breaths or coughing.
Cough: A persistent cough can be a symptom of pleural mesothelioma.
Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of many types of cancer, including pleural mesothelioma.
Fatigue: Feeling tired and lacking energy is another common symptom.
Fluid buildup in the chest : This can cause shortness of breath and pressure in the chest.
Swelling in the face and neck: This can occur if the tumor blocks the veins that drain blood from the head and neck.

It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it's crucial to see a doctor for diagnosis.

Causes of Pleural Mesothelioma

The primary cause of pleural mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can be inhaled into the lungs. Once inhaled, the fibers can lodge themselves in the pleura, where they can cause inflammation and eventually lead to cancer.

Exposure to asbestos is most likely to occur in certain occupations, including:

Construction workers
Shipyard workers
Factory workers
Miners
Plumbers and electricians
Mechanics

It's also possible to be exposed to asbestos through exposure to older homes, schools, or buildings that contain asbestos-containing materials. Exposure can also occur through exposure to asbestos in the environment, such as in areas where asbestos mining or processing occurs.

While asbestos is the main known cause of pleural mesothelioma, there are some cases where exposure to asbestos is not readily identifiable. It is believed that genetic factors and other environmental exposures may play a role in the development of this cancer in some individuals.

Diagnosis of Pleural Mesothelioma

Diagnosing pleural mesothelioma can be challenging due to its rarity and the fact that its symptoms are often similar to those of other conditions. A thorough medical history and physical exam are necessary, along with various diagnostic tests, including:

Chest X-ray: This test can show abnormalities in the lungs and pleura.
CT scan: This scan provides detailed images of the chest and can help to identify tumors and other abnormalities.
PET scan: This imaging test can help to identify areas of increased metabolic activity, which can indicate the presence of cancer cells.
Biopsy: A biopsy is the most definitive way to diagnose pleural mesothelioma. This involves removing a small sample of tissue from the tumor and examining it under a microscope.
Thoracentesis: This procedure involves removing fluid from the chest cavity using a needle. The fluid can be examined to look for cancer cells.

Treatment Options for Pleural Mesothelioma

Treatment for pleural mesothelioma depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. Treatment options include:

Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be an option to remove the tumor. However, this is not always possible, as the tumor may be too large or located in a difficult-to-reach area.
Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used to shrink the tumor, relieve symptoms, or prevent the cancer from spreading.
Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given intravenously, orally, or by injection.
Targeted therapy: This newer type of therapy targets specific proteins or genes involved in cancer cell growth and development. It can help to slow the growth of the tumor and improve survival.
Immunotherapy: This treatment uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells. It can be used to shrink the tumor, relieve symptoms, or prevent the cancer from spreading.
Palliative care: This type of care focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life for people with serious illnesses. It can include pain management, emotional support, and other services.

Prognosis and Survival Rate for Pleural Mesothelioma

The prognosis for pleural mesothelioma is unfortunately poor. **The survival rate for cancer in the pleura of the lungs** depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the type of treatment received. The average survival rate for all stages of pleural mesothelioma is about 12 to 18 months, but some patients can live for longer periods.

In recent years, there have been some advances in treatment, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, that have shown promise in improving survival rates. However, more research is needed to develop effective treatments that can significantly increase survival rates.

Prevention of Pleural Mesothelioma

The most effective way to prevent pleural mesothelioma is to avoid exposure to asbestos. If you work in an industry where asbestos exposure is possible, it's important to take precautions, such as:

Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment , such as respirators, gloves, and protective clothing.
Following workplace safety regulations.
Avoiding areas where asbestos is being handled or removed.

If you have been exposed to asbestos, it's important to talk to your doctor about your risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Your doctor can recommend steps to take to monitor your health and reduce your risk.

Living with Pleural Mesothelioma

Living with pleural mesothelioma can be challenging. The disease can cause a variety of symptoms, and it's often difficult to manage. However, there are ways to cope with the disease and maintain quality of life. These include:

Talking to a therapist or counselor: It can be helpful to talk to someone who can help you process your emotions and cope with the challenges of dealing with a serious illness.
Joining a support group: Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide a sense of community and support.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can help to improve your overall health and well-being.
Managing your symptoms: There are treatments and strategies that can help to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Focusing on your goals: Setting achievable goals and making the most of each day can help you to stay positive and maintain a sense of purpose.

Research and Future Directions

Research is ongoing to develop more effective treatments for pleural mesothelioma. Scientists are working on new drugs and therapies that target specific genes or proteins involved in cancer cell growth and development. They are also studying the role of immunotherapy in treating this disease. As we learn more about pleural mesothelioma, we hope to develop treatments that can significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for people with this disease.

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