Mesothelioma, a type of pleural tumor

The pleura is a serous membrane of mesodermal origin that lines both lungs, the mediastinum, the diaphragm and the inner part of the rib cage.

The most common pleural tumor is mesothelioma. However, it can also arise in other organs such as the peritoneum, pericardium, etc.

As the specialists in Thoracic Surgery state, the most frequent cause is pleural metastases that arise from another cancer that has spread from another organ to the pleura.

Its main cause is the inhalation of asbestos, which is why it is considered an occupational disease, but asbestos has also been described as the cause. Cigarette smoking is not related to this type of tumors.

The main symptom of a mesothelioma pleural tumor is dyspnea, which may be caused by obstruction of a bronchus or by pleural effusion, which is a very characteristic sign of this disease. Some other more nonspecific symptoms are weight loss and pain.

Treatments for pleural tumor

The main treatment used in this type of pleural tumor is chemotherapy. Although surgery, whenever possible, is a very effective treatment. Pleural tumors are a very sensitive type of tumor to chemotherapy treatment with good response and disease control for a long time.

Prevention of pleural tumor

The only way to prevent this disease is the good use of the safety measures in place for patients working in contact with asbestos.