PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. These fibers get lodged into the protective lining of the lungs (the pleura), causing genetic mutations in the surrounding cells.
In some cases, this leads to pleural mesothelioma.
About 75 percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year are pleural mesothelioma. Being one the most common type of mesothelioma means specialists have more opportunities to develop
new treatments � and hopefully a one day, a cure � for the disease. There are many promising new pleural mesothelioma treatments being tested every day. Getting involved in a clinical trial can open up
your treatment options and chances for survival.
Why does your diagnosis matter? Aside from telling patients what is causing their symptoms, an accurate diagnosis is important when considering treatment options. Pleural mesothelioma can vary by stage
and cell type, both of which affect treatment options.
What treatments are available? Most pleural mesothelioma patients are prescribed chemotherapy and/or radiation. These therapies help slow down the spread of aggressive mesothelioma cells.
But surgical options like the the pleurectomy offer the best chances for a longer survival time.
What is the prognosis for this disease? The prognosis for pleural mesothelioma depends heavily on factors like the stage the disease was diagnosed and the patient�s overall health.
Most patients live just over a year after being diagnosed, but there are patients living for years with the disease thanks to novel treatments.
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