Pleural Mesothelioma
What is Pleural Mesothelioma?
There are a number of different types of mesothelioma, with the primary form, known as pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lining, or pleura, of the lungs. Out of all of the types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is the most common, with roughly 2,500 new cases being diagnosed each year.
Pleural mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos over a long time period, meaning, an individual has inhaled asbestos leading to asbestos fibers becoming embedded in the pleura of the lungs. Once this occurs, it can lead to chronic inflammation of the lungs, scar tissue, and may ultimately cause tumors to form in the lungs.
What are the Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma?
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest or lower back pain, a persistent cough, coughing up blood, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, chest pain, fluid buildup around the lungs, hoarseness, difficulty talking, and blood clots.
What are the Treatment Options for Pleural Mesothelioma?
Although it depends on how far advanced the disease is at the time of diagnosis, the standard treatment for pleural mesothelioma often involves surgical removal of the pleura affected by the disease, and if more advanced, all or part of the lung may also be excised. Surgery, in addition to radiation and chemotherapy, often gives people a greater life expectancy. Although the prognosis is typically poor for this type of mesothelioma, the earlier the detection, the greater the chances of success.
What is the Prognosis after Being Diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma?
One’s prognosis typically depends on a number of different factors including:
- The stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis – undoubtedly, those who are diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma early have the greatest chances of survival, as they have more treatment options and a more favorable life expectancy. Overall, the earlier the disease is detected, the more treatments options available.
- The specific type of mesothelioma – as noted above, there are a number of different form of mesothelioma. Depending on the specific location of mesothelioma in addition to the type of cells involved (whether epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic), these altogether affect a person’s prognosis. Typically, those who are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the abdominal wall) have a more favorable prognosis than those suffering from pleural or pericardial mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the heart).
- The person’s age and overall health – for those who are younger and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, having a healthy lifestyle gives you a greater chance of success than those who are older and in poor health.
While pleural mesothelioma patients typically live between six months to two years after being diagnosed, recent research and advancements in medicine have led to progress in terms of earlier detection, diagnosis, and a variety of different treatment options. Although pleural mesothelioma can be a challenging diagnosis, there is hope. Don’t fight your cancer alone and without the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact Stern Law, PLLC to receive the skilled and compassionate legal representation you need.
Why Stern Law, PLLC?
When you receive a serious diagnosis such as mesothelioma, you need compassionate and skilled representation to help you fight for your right to be compensated for your condition. When you meet with one of the seasoned asbestos exposure lawyers at Stern Law, PLLC, we will take the time you deserve to review your case, determine the sources of your exposure, and develop a plan of legal action to fight for the compensation you need for your condition. Contact Stern Law, PLLC now at (844) 808-7529 to schedule your free consultation. We are available immediately to review your case.
