Pleural Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibers.
This cancer develops in the cells that form the tissues of the outer lining of the lungs as well as the inner lining of the chest cavities. Subsequently, all types of mesothelioma literally receive their name after the locations where they develop.
Clinical trials and advanced medicine offer access to new treatments such as immunotherapy, multimodal therapy and more.
Over 70 percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed every year are pleural mesothelioma. Since it has become the most common types of mesothelioma, it has attracted more researchers and specialists into coming up with advanced and new treatments, and hopefully, one day, a cure for the disease.
Many promising advancements tested every day, therefore, getting actively involved in a clinical trial can exponentially increase your chances of survival by opening up your treatment options.
Mesothelioma Latency Period
Mesothelioma has the most extended latency period. It usually takes between 20 to 50 years for mesothelioma to development after a person is first exposed to asbestos. Because of this prolonged latency period, this disease commonly affects people older than 75.
Notably, most patients are men because they are the majority in professions such as construction, heavy industry, etc. where asbestos exposure historically occurred.
Importance of Proper Diagnosis
Aside from explaining to the patients the meaning of their symptoms and what is causing them, an accurate diagnosis is very crucial when choosing treatment options.
Pleural Mesothelioma varies by cell type and stage, both of which are important factors when considering treatment options.
Available Treatments
Most pleural mesothelioma patients receive treatment with surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. These therapies are prescribed to curb the spread and aggression of mesothelioma cells.
Other alternatives like pleurectomy provide the best chances for a prolonged survival to patients.
Experimental treatments are also available through clinical trials. They include targeted therapy, photodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy.
Each type of mesothelioma requires specialized therapy. Malignant pleural mesothelioma treatment commonly uses chemotherapy drugs and varying surgeries as compared to peritoneal mesothelioma treatment.
Related: Why You Should Look Into Mesothelioma Treatment Centers
Current Types of Mesothelioma Surgery
The most common surgeries are Extrapleural Pneumonectomy (EPP) and Pleurectomy and Decortication (P/D).
These surgeries allow surgeons to operate on organs inside the chest cavity and take biopsy samples. EPP helps to remove the lungs, lymph nodes, heart lining, diaphragm, parts of the chest lining, and all nearby areas where mesothelioma has spread.
On the other hand, Pleurectomy Decortication spares the lungs but removes cancerous areas of the chest wall lining, pleural lining, and the diaphragm.
Chemotherapy Options include;
- First-line chemotherapy regimen, which is accompanied by a combination of pemetrexed (Alimta) and cisplatin drugs.
- Other chemotherapy options are Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) and Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy (HITHOC).
- Second-line chemotherapy for cancer that continues growing. This is accompanied by drugs such as carboplatin, doxorubicin, and gemcitabine.
Other Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment Options are;
Related: Alternative Mesothelioma Treatment | Holistic Cancer Therapy
Prognosis for Pleural Mesothelioma
Prognosis for this disease depends on some factors such as the stage the disease at diagnosis and a person's overall health.
Most patients succumb to the disease in less than two years after being diagnosed. Without treatment, an average patient diagnosed with stage 3 or 4 lives for about four to six months.
However, some patients diagnosed with stage 1 or 2 may live for many years with pleural mesothelioma thanks to the novel treatments.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
The symptoms primarily affect the lungs, airways, and breathing muscles. The early signs are usually a persistent cough and shortness of breath. Chest pains and gradual weight loss often follow these symptoms.
Excess pleural effusion (excess fluid) in the lining of the lungs causes these symptoms.
