Pleural Mesothelioma

Unlike the peritoneal strain which spreads in the abdomen, pleural mesothelioma spreads within the chest cavity and sometimes the lungs. Metastases can occur in any organ (including the brain).

Because it may take decades before the disease shows its symptoms it's important to be familiar with the fact that the most common symptom is persistent pain localized in the chest. Severe difficulty in breathing due to fluid accumulating in the pleural space (pleural effusion) may occur. Cough, weight loss and fever are common. The most valuable single test to show the extent of the disease is a CT scan.

There are no serum markers available for the diagnosis of mesothelioma, but that may change in time. The detection of elevated serum levels of hyaluronic acid may be useful in differentiating mesothelioma from other tumors, or to follow the effect of treatment.

The median survival is about 17 months from the beginning of symptoms. That is actually seven months longer than the typical case of peritoneal mesothelioma. The 3-year survival rate is 10% the 5-year survival is approximately 5%. Do not give up hope, though. Some breakthroughs like the combination of cisplatin with Ely Lilly's Alimta have been proven to increase life expectancy by 30% in Canada. More drugs are in development. Time is an ally.

Mesothelioma Lawyers
What is Mesothelioma?
Pleural Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Questions
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Are You at Risk?
The Role of Asbestos
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma Attorney
Mesothelioma Treatment Costs
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