This comprehensive overview explores pleural mesothelioma, highlighting its stages, symptoms, and treatment approaches. It discusses how asbestos exposure affects mostly veterans, the progression of the disease, and available surgical and medical options to manage this complex cancer. Although currently incurable, early intervention can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Understanding Pleural Mesothelioma: Stages, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Pleural mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure, presenting symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, fever, back pain, swelling of the face and limbs, persistent cough, coughing up blood, accumulation of fluid around the lungs, chest lumps, and unexplained weight loss.

The disease progresses through four stages. It can rapidly invade nearby lymph nodes and other structures, though brain involvement remains uncommon. Diagnosis relies on determining the disease stage through biopsy analysis.

In the earliest stage, cancer is limited to the pleural lining of the lung. Stage two involves spread into the lung tissue and diaphragm, with nearby lymph nodes affected. By stage three, the illness extends to neighboring organs and more lymph nodes. At stage four, it has metastasized to distant organs and widespread lymphatic channels.

Veterans, especially those who served in the Navy, account for over 30% of pleural mesothelioma cases due to asbestos used in ship insulation, leading to fiber inhalation. These individuals may qualify for specialized VA benefits.

Although pleural mesothelioma is currently incurable, treatments aim to extend survival and improve quality of life. Surgical procedures like Extra-pleural Pneumonectomy (EPP) remove the affected lung and adjacent tissues during early stages. Pleurectomy decortication involves excising the diseased pleura and surface tumors, which can help with breathing and discomfort even in advanced cases. Complementary therapies include chemotherapy—most notably cisplatin combined with ALIMTA—and radiation therapy to lower the chance of recurrence.