Medical College

Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common type of malignant mesothelioma. About two-thirds of people diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have type. This form of mesothelioma affects the cells in the pleura, the name given to the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. The pleura has two layers: the parietal layer (an outer layer that covers the chest cavity and diaphragm) and the visceral layer (an inner layer that covers the lungs).

Exposure to Asbestos

People who are exposed to asbestos inhale asbestos fibers that enter the lowercase pleura of the lungs. Once in the lungs, asbestos fibers cause changes in pleural cells making them cancerous.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms All forms of mesothelioma are particularly dangerous because two or three decades may elapse between exposure to asbestos and the onset of symptoms of cancer. Also, the first symptoms of mesothelioma are not specific and these symptoms often resemble those of a simple viral infection that is not very dangerous.

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms may include:

• A persistent cough, difficulty breathing or swallowing, coughing up blood
• Weight Loss
• Fever or night sweats
• Inflammation of the facial area
• Shortness of breath even while resting
• Severe chest pain, or pain in the rib area