Pleural mesothelioma is a primary pleural tumor caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. It can be divided into benign and malignant types. The most common early symptoms include chest pain, cough, and shortness of breath. For some patients the main symptoms are fever, sweating or joint pain. More than 50% patients have a large amount of pleural effusion along with severe shortness of breath. If there is no pleural effusion, chest pain is often severe. Weight loss is common. Currently there is no effective treatment for the disease. If the disease is still in the earliest stage (Phase 1), radical pleural lung resection should be done. For patients in later stages (Phase 2, 3, or 4), conservative surgery can be done. Pleural mesothelioma is highly associated with contacting asbestos. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are not effective. Patients generally die with 1-2 years after being diagnosed. Because of the risk, use of asbestos is gradually forbidden in the world.
How is Pleural mesothelioma treated in practice?