Pleural mesothelioma is the most common of the four types of malignant mesothelioma cancer, accounting for about 75 percent of all cases of the disease. All four types share one similar trait: They are rare and aggressive forms of cancer. That means it is important to pinpoint a diagnosis as soon as you sense something is wrong - and if you do get a mesothelioma diagnosis, you should settle on treatment options as soon as possible.



Causes
The primary cause of pleural mesothelioma cancer is exposure to asbestos. While asbestos is a natural mineral, it is toxic for humans. It has properties that allow it to be resistant to heat and fire, but it also has a makeup that is harmful to people when its fibers are ingested or inhaled.

Symptoms
The typical latency period — the time from when someone is exposed to asbestos to the time someone is diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma cancer — is 20 years or longer. There are few, if any, signs of cancer in the lining of the lung until it's almost too late.

Survival Rate

The one-year survival rate of pleural mesothelioma cancer is 38 percent. These statistics reflect the fact that too many people never see a mesothelioma-specific doctor who is a specialist with experience treating the disease. Early detection and treatment is vital.

Diagnosis
A pleural mesothelioma diagnosis involves the expertise of specialists, including radiologists, surgeons, oncologists and others who will evaluate symptoms, perform numerous scans, biopsies, blood tests and other exams to accurately determine the presence and stage of the disease.

Treatment

Treatment for pleural mesothelioma continues to evolve as clinical trials and medical researchers strive to improve traditional techniques, such as surgery and chemotherapy, and discover emerging treatments like immunotherapy or alternative treatments to find a cure for the illness.



Top Doctors

While oncologists may have experience dealing with several cancers, pleural mesothelioma is a rare disease, and it requires a specialist for the best treatment and outcome. Specialists with years working with the cancer are better prepared for the challenges you may encounter