Causes and Treatment of Pleura
Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is not a rare form of cancer that is the result of widespread exposure to asbestos. Pleura, the lubricants of the chest cells and the lungs of the wall, are affected. The onset of symptoms is gradual and can last up to ten years before changes that indicate this cancer develops.
While the pleura of the disease by itself is not fatal, the complications arising from this can be fatal. For example, the formation of pleural plaques can lead to reduced lung function, resulting in death. Often, the only symptom is the thickening of the pleural layer and plaque formation that causes the doctor to further investigate and make the diagnosis.
Pleural Mesothelioma Prognosis
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the first thing that may go through your mind is, "is there a cure?" There is a cure - as long as the disease is caught in the early stages of development. Pleural mesothelioma spreads rapidly and may even affect your heart, even though it starts off in the pleura. It is said to be fatal within one year from the time of diagnosis. However, early detection is the key to recovery.
Mesothelioma Can Be Treated?
Depending on how early pleural mesothelioma is detected, maintaining a life of care can serve to prolong your life. While there is no infinite cure, the disease can be controlled through treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Surgical resection may be in the early stages of the disease before the tumor spreads to other body parts and can significantly slow the progression of the disease. Surgery such as pneumonectomy and extrapleural pneumonectomy are often used in treating lung cancer and lung conditions also help in slowing mesothelioma.
Most doctors recommend the use of chemotherapy drugs to manage malignant pleural mesothelioma. However, the Food and Drug Administration has approved only one - a combination of Cisplatin and Alimta (Pemetrexed). All other combinations are currently in clinical trials, and have no solid foundation for pleural mesothelioma treatment. Chemotherapy and surgery may often be combined with radiation therapy to slow the growth of tumor cells and prolong life.
In recent times, alternative and complementary therapies have made their way into cancer treatment approaches. While this may not be self-sustaining treatment, therapies such as reflexology, massage and acupuncture help in improving the overall effectiveness of the treatment program and the relief in management pain and anxiety.
What To Do If You Are Diagnosed With Mesothelioma
If you have been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, discuss treatment options with your doctor. While nothing is proven to cure this disease, there are certainly steps you can take to slow down, depending on how early it is detected.
Since mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, you can file a mesothelioma lawsuit if you exposure is occurring in your work or as a result of sub-standard housing. There are some mesothelioma lawyers who will be happy to help you arrange your case and get compensation that can give you care and for your loved ones, should the medication not go as planned. Finally, make sure you have a good support group of family or friends who can be with you through all your treatment and lawsuits. Second is stress, and you need all possible support as you battle it out.