Pleural Mesothelioma

Accounting for nearly three-fourths of all mesothelioma cases in the United States, pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the membrane that lines the lungs. It is a form of cancer related to inhaling asbestos fibers. Pleural mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as persistent dry cough, chest pain, trouble swallowing, fatigue, and fever. This type of mesothelioma occurs when inhaled asbestos fibers accumulate in the pleura, causing genetic changes that lead to the formation of cancerous cells.

If you have been exposed to asbestos and are now experiencing any of the symptoms of mesothelioma, it is important that you contact your physician right away. If you are diagnosed with this rare and aggressive form of cancer, a New York mesothelioma lawyer can help. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., Joe Williams is our esteemed founding attorney who has over 30 years of experience helping clients who have been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. He has the skilled legal experience to secure successful verdicts for clients and has never lost a mesothelioma case for a client. Get a dedicated advocate in your corner during this difficult time and contact our founding attorney today.

Understanding Pleural Mesothelioma

As the most common type of this disease, scientists have more opportunities to research pleural mesothelioma and create new treatments than with other forms of mesothelioma. With current treatments, patients can extend their life expectancies and increase their quality of living.

What Causes Pleural Mesothelioma?

Asbestos is a mineral that has carcinogenic properties for humans. If inhaled, minuscule particles of asbestos can lodge in the linings of the organs. The particles can remain embedded for decades, slowly causing irritation, inflammation, and scar tissue. If the asbestos genetically mutates the surrounding cells, the scar tissue can turn into cancerous tumors known as mesothelioma. 

Pleural Mesothelioma Prognosis

The prognosis for each patient diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma is unique. Prognoses depend on the individual, the stage of cancer, the patient’s age and gender, and the efficacy of treatments. The average life expectancy for a person diagnosed with malignant, or cancerous, pleural mesothelioma is 6 to 12 months. With treatments, however, many patients with pleural mesothelioma live past their life expectancies. 

Some patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma have survived over a decade after the date of diagnosis with modern treatment options. The most common type of pleural mesothelioma is the epithelioid cell type, which is the most responsive type of mesothelioma to treatments.

What Are the Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma?

One of the most unfortunate aspects of pleural mesothelioma is that symptoms often mirror other, more minor illnesses. This can extend the latent period and delay diagnosis or proper course of treatment.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include any of the following:

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent chest pain
• Lower back pain
• Difficulties swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Chronic cough
• Fever
• Facial swelling
• Swelling of the arms
• Fatigue
• Excessive sweating
• Unexpected weight loss

If you have been exposed to asbestos, either in your line of work or through other means, these may be symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Because early diagnosis is essential for maintaining quality of life, it is important that you discuss symptoms with your doctor right away. 

How Is Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a case of pleural mesothelioma usually starts with the patient experiencing common symptoms. When a patient presenting possible symptoms of pleural mesothelioma visits a doctor, the physician will use tests and imaging scans to make a diagnosis. First, the doctor will use X-rays or CT scans to look for tumors and track metastasis if the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. 

The doctor may then use blood tests to search for biomarkers that can diagnose mesothelioma as compared to other forms of cancer. Then, the doctor will take a biopsy to finalize a malignant pleural mesothelioma diagnosis.

Pleural Mesothelioma Stages

During diagnosis, a specialist will analyze how far the disease has progressed and will then classify the pleural mesothelioma with the corresponding stage. The stage of the disease is important, as it can determine a patient’s prognosis and available treatment options. There are four stages of pleural mesothelioma. Stage one is the least serious, with little to no metastasis, whereas stage four is the most serious, with advanced metastasis to the lymph nodes and other organs.

Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment Options

A multimodal approach is the most common treatment plan for patients with pleural mesothelioma. Depending on the stage of the disease, the patient may first receive surgery to remove as much cancerous tissue from the lining of the lungs as possible. The patient may then follow up with chemotherapy and radiation therapy to try to kill any remaining cancer cells. In general, treatments for pleural mesothelioma are to extend life expectancy and improve quality of living.

One surgical option for patients with pleural mesothelioma is pleurectomy, in which a surgeon removes the lining of the lungs and chest wall. A more aggressive procedure is an extrapleural pneumonectomy, where the surgeon removes the affected lung along with part of the diaphragm and the linings of the lungs and heart. Successful surgery may extend the life expectancy of a patient with pleural mesothelioma by three years or more, especially when paired with chemotherapy. 

How Much Does Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment Cost?

Mesothelioma treatment can be very effective at improving the quality of life and extending the life expectancy of men and women diagnosed with the disease. Unfortunately, treatment may prove cost-prohibitive. 

As a victim of asbestos exposure, you deserve these treatments, and our leading mesothelioma attorney Joseph Williams is here to help you secure the compensation that allows you access to them. During your case evaluation, Joe Williams can discuss this with you in greater detail and answer any questions you have about your rights and your options.

Pleural Mesothelioma FAQ

It is important you are able to answer any questions you may have in regards to your pleural mesothelioma diagnosis. While your doctor can provide the most detailed insight, the following questions may provide some insight:

Is there a cure for pleural mesothelioma?

There is no known cure. However, modern-day treatments can vastly improve a patient’s quality of living as well as extend life expectancy by several years.

How long after exposure to asbestos will someone notice symptoms of mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is unique in that its symptoms may not appear until decades after a patient’s initial asbestos exposure.

What is the average life expectancy for someone diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma?

Six months to one year from the date of diagnosis, on average. This can vary considerably, however, based on the patient’s diagnosis and treatment options.

What is a mesothelioma lawsuit?

A pleural mesothelioma diagnosis often results in a lawsuit against the party responsible for exposing the patient to asbestos. A successful lawsuit could pay for a patient’s medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Discuss your case with a mesothelioma attorney today.

Why Choose Us for Your Pleural Mesothelioma Case?

At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we are committed to helping individuals diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma secure the compensation they need to access life-extending treatments. Our founding attorney Joe Williams has over 30 years of experience and has never lost a mesothelioma case. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll this disease takes, and we are here to fight for the justice you deserve.

We offer personalized legal representation, free consultations, and you pay nothing until we win your case. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, contact us today at (855) 575-6376 or fill out our contact form to get started.