Malignant mesothelioma cancer is a devastating illness caused by prolonged exposure to fibrous carcinogens, most notably asbestos. People who worked or lived around compromised asbestos-containing materials are the most common victims of this uncommon yet aggressive form of cancer. Industries where asbestos exposure was common include construction, plumbing and pipefitting, auto part manufacturing and vinyl tile manufacturing. In spite of many countries banning the substance entirely over the past few decades, asbestos-borne illness continues to be on the rise. If you have been exposed, it’s important that you contact a well known asbestos attorney who can help you through the legal process since you may be eligible for compensation.

What is pleural mesothelioma?

Pleural mesothelioma is the form of mesothelioma cancer that afflicts the membranes that surround the lungs, called the pleura. It is thought to be caused by inhaling asbestos particles on a regular basis over the long term. The particles become lodged in the lung’s linings and may have no outward effect on the victim’s health until decades have gone by, with the average diagnosis coming some 30 years after the initial exposure to asbestos.

How common is it?

Although mesothelioma itself is rather rare, pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common type of mesothelioma cancer, making up 75 percent or more of all recorded mesothelioma diagnoses. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as other forms of lung cancer or as less harmful health problems such as chronic bronchitis or pneumonia before the correct diagnosis can be made.

What are the symptoms?

Pleural mesothelioma often causes its victims to have a bad cough and to experience chest pain and pressure, as well as difficulty breathing and a feeling of fluid in the lungs. Swelling and upper torso pain are common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma cancer. People with mesothelioma may brush these symptoms off as something less serious, and only find out that they have cancer once the cancer has reached the later stages.

What are the treatment options available?

Surgery is a common treatment for pleural mesothelioma that has been deemed resectable or operable. The surgery removes the visible tumor, and chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be offered either during the surgical procedure or after the post-surgery recovery period as a means of eliminating any malignant cells left behind after surgery. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, when it is caught and treated early enough it can add years onto the life of the afflicted person.  click here for more info