pleural mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma makes up over 60 percent of all mesothelioma cases worldwide. It is often talked about in the media and has garnered worldwide attention in the past few decades. This particular type affects the outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity which is known as the pleura. The pleura is composed of two distinct parts which are the parietal and visceral pleura. The parietal pleura is the lining on the wall of the chest and the diaphragm and the visceral pleura is the inner lining of the lungs themselves. Asbestos is very fibrous and these tiny fibers can get into even the tiniest passages in the lungs. Once it�s in there, it has a reaction with cell development that isn�t quite understood but the cells begin to divide in an unusual manner. This can lead to pleural thickening which greatly decreases the capacity of the lungs and can accumulate fluid as well. This can be seen in X-rays pretty easily. CT scans and MRIs also can detect any abnormalities in the lungs. Smoking can cause long term symptoms similar to pleural mesothelioma so it can be difficult to diagnose. The best way is to tell your doctor if you have ever been around anyone who worked with asbestos or if a building you frequent has been shown to have a lot of asbestos in it. Many lawsuits are filed every year and you may even be entitled to free medical care or compensation if you meet certain requirements.