Dear Sam: Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer. The mesothelium layer of the lungs - a protective layer - can transform into cancerous cells with chronic asbestos exposure. Asbestos is the only known cause of Mesothelioma. It is not known how much asbestos exposure puts you at risk but it is believed prolonged chronic exposure can lead to Mesothelioma as opposed to one time exposure.

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear till decades after exposure and include shortness of breath, chest pain wheezing, coughing and weight loss.

Xrays and lung function tests may aid in the diagnosis. If fluid or a mass is discovered, a CT and a biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

If you have been exposed to asbestos in your occupation, it is important to let your family doctor know and attand routine follow up.

Welcome to the Pleural Mesothelioma Center

Part of our mission at PleuralMesothelioma.com is to provide current, reliable data on all topics relating to pleural mesothelioma cancer. We are dedicated to compiling the latest and most up-to-date information on pleural mesothelioma and offer a number of resources to those coping with the pulmonary cancer. From treatment options to top doctors and the best cancer centers in the United States, PleuralMesothelioma.com is a one-stop resource for pleural mesothelioma patients and their families.

The Next Step: Life After a Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis

After a patient has been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, one of the first concerns for them and their family will be available treatment options to improve prognosis. The following include important topics for recently diagnosed pleural mesothelioma patients:

Additional Topics:

• Treatment Options
• Mesothelioma Prognosis
• Top Cancer Centers

• Doctors & Specialists
• Clinical Trials
• Alternative Treatments

Improving Pleural Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

While the prognosis for pleural mesothelioma patients typically ranges between four and 18 months, there are several traditional and alternative treatment methods that may prolong a patient’s life expectancy. Some prognostic factors cannot be changed, but improving patient heath and treatment efforts, quitting smoking, and the addition of immune-boosting therapies are a few ways to potentially improve a patient’s life expectancy. Patients who are diagnosed early may qualify for multimodality therapy, which combines several aggressive treatments in an effort to extend the patient's life span.