- Mesothelioma
- Mesothelioma Facts
- Mesothelioma Symptoms
- Mesothelioma Awareness
- Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
- Mesothelioma Causes
- Mesothelioma Risk Factors
- Mesothelioma Incidence
- Mesothelioma Diagnosis
- Mesothelioma Tests
- Mesothelioma Biopsy
- Mesothelioma Blood Test
- Mesothelioma Pathology
- Mesothelioma Prognosis
- Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
- Mesothelioma Life Span
- Mesothelioma Survival Rate
- Mesothelioma Survivors
- Mesothelioma Death Rate
- Mesothelioma Types
- Pleural Mesothelioma
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Pericardial Mesothelioma
- Well-Differentiated Papillary Mesothelioma
- Malignant Mesothelioma
- Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
- Biphasic Mesothelioma
- Epithelial Mesothelioma
- Mesothelioma Staging
- Mesothelioma Metastasis
Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that can originate in the linings of several different internal organs, yet the most common location is the lungs. This form of cancer, called pleural mesothelioma, makes up approximately 75 percent of all mesothelioma cases reported each year.
What Causes Mesothelioma Lung Cancer?
Pleural mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. Once an individual inhales airborne asbestos fibers, they can become lodged in the pleura, the mesothelial lining around the lungs. The fibers eventually cause irritation, inflammation and eventual cellular changes that lead to the formation of tumors.
Diagnosing Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
Symptoms of mesothelioma lung cancer generally arise 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms, including coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain, resemble those from other illnesses and makes receiving a diagnosis difficult. Once a doctor has ruled out other basic conditions, advanced tests such as X-Rays, CT scans, MRIs or biopsies may be required to analyze the area that is suspected to be cancerous.
Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Prognosis and Treatment
Approximately 10 percent of malignant mesothelioma patients survive five years or more after diagnosis. The average mesothelioma life expectancy ranges between four and 18 months following a diagnosis. While a number of patients have exceeded the five year survival rate, early detection is crucial to improving prognosis.
Treatment for mesothelioma lung cancer includes chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. Although each patient's treatment plan depends on the stage and location of their cancer as well as their general health, most patients will receive therapies of a palliative nature to alleviate their symptoms. In some cases, a combination of therapies may be used to increase the effectiveness of treatment. This is known as multimodality therapy.
Other Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
While pleural mesothelioma is primary asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestos may also play a role in the development of other lung cancers. After exposure to asbestos, smoking can greatly increase an individual's chances of developing asbestos-related lung cancer. Additionally, non-cancerous respiratory issues such as asbestosis may arise as a result of asbestos exposure.