Mesothelioma Information - Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a malignant mesothelioma that spreads within the chest cavity and sometimes involves the lung.
Asbestos exposure is the most common risk factor associated with mesothelioma. Asbestos refers to a family of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers that have been commonly used for insulation and in the shipbuilding and construction industries. A history of asbestos exposure is found in 80 percent of patients who present with mesothelioma. Other factors, which may promote mesothelioma, include: chronic lung infections, tuberculous pleuritis, radiation (Thorotrast) and exposure to the simian virus 40 (SV40) or mineral fibers (Zeolite). Although tobacco smoking has not been associated with the development of mesotheliomas, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure greatly increases the risk of lung cancer.

- In the United States, 2,000-3,000 patients are diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma each year.
- Mesothelioma affects men more frequently than women and is more common in white Americans.
- The median age of onset of symptoms is 70.
- Seven percent of workers exposed to asbestos become affected.
- The latent period between exposure to asbestos and the onset of symptoms can be 20-40 years.
- The median survival time is between 4-12 months, depending on the stage of presentation. The three-year survival is 10 percent and the overall five-year survival is approximately 5 percent.

The severity of the condition varies from person to person, but in most cases the onset of mesothelioma is usually very slow with the most common presenting symptom being persistent pain localized in the chest. Sometimes the pain is accompanied by severe difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath. Cough, weight loss, fever and night sweats are less common.



For more information about Pleural mesothelioma, please browse our site through the left menu.