Pleural Mesothelioma

The lining of lungs (pleura) is made up of two parts; the visceral layer (inner) which is next to lung and the other one is parietal layer (outer) that covers the chest wall. When we breathe these two layer slide over each other and to make this process easier the membranes in the lungs produce a lubricating fluid. After developing pleural mesothelioma these two layers become thicker and then they push inward on the lungs. Due to this a number of signs and symptoms can be seen which I am going to cover below:

Signs and Symptoms

1.     Chest Pain: - Chest pain is caused when the layers of pleura push against lungs as well as you may experience pain in your arms and shoulders.

2.     Breathing Difficulty: - Breathing difficulty is caused when the outer and inner layers of pleura push against the lungs. Due to this, you may face some problems like hoarse throat, swallowing difficulty, coughing and shortness of breath.

3.     Pleural Effusion: - As I have already discussed that the membranes of lungs produce a lubricating fluid through which layers of pleura can easily slide against each other. But after developing pleural mesothelioma the fluid can be easily trapped as the inner and outer layers becomes thicker. Trapping of fluid is called pleural effusion. It can lead to difficulty in breathing and more chest pain.

If you are experiencing the above mentioned symptoms, don’t wait just go to your doctor. Inform your doctor about the symptoms you are feeling and also if you have been ever exposed to asbestos. As exposure of asbestos is the reason for the pleural mesothelioma. The doctor will recommend a number of tests for you for the confirmation. If the tests indicate about the pleural mesothelioma so he can suggest you the best treatment for you.

The reason for this post is to give you information about the most common type of mesothelioma so if you have a slightly feeling of these symptoms you should go to your doctor right way. The diagnosis can be done at early stage and hence treatment can be started at earliest.

Early prognosis can save your life and lead you to a happy life with your loved ones!