Pleural mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. It forms around the lining of the lungs and is the most common type of mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma explained
This type of cancer accounts for almost 75% of all mesothelioma diagnoses that take place. Asbestos fibers are deposited in the lining around the lung and cause genetic mutations in the surrounding cells. It is estimated that people with the type of mesothelioma are expected to live somewhere between 12 and 21 months. Life expectancy depends on the phase in which the cancer is located and which treatments are received.
Treatment Options
Extrapleural Pneumonectomy - This is an operation that will remove the lung, which has cancer, and the food. This is one of the most common forms of treatment when the disease is in stage 1 or 2.
Pleurectomy with decortization - The lungs are not removed with this type of treatment. Instead, the cancer tumors are removed together with the affected pleura. Less extreme than an EPP that removes the lung, the patient survival rates are about the same.
Chemotherapy - The most commonly used medicines are Alimta and Cisplatin. Often this type of treatment will be used after the operation.
Radiation - Radiation only focuses on the cancer and leaves the lungs untouched. Most specialists will tell you that this is the least intrusive treatment for you.
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