Pleural mesothelioma is the most commonly diagnosed form of mesothelioma, making up approximately 70% of cases. It can take 10 years for symptoms of pleural mesothelioma to manifest and treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Pleural mesothelioma originates when asbestos fibers are inhaled and become lodged in the outer layers of lung tissue within the pleura, a thin membrane of cells that lines the lungs and chest wall. The asbestos fibers the create pleural plaques that can develop into pleural mesothelioma or cancerous tumor cells over time. If left untreated, pleural mesothelioma can spread to the outer chest wall, abdomen, and heart.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include difficulty breathing, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, coughing, weight loss, shortness of breath and fever. A pleural mesothelioma diagnosis requires imaging tests, collection of fluid samples and a tissue biopsy. Since symptoms can take years to manifest, understanding the risks of asbestos exposure can lead to early mesothelioma detection and offer patients a wider range of treatment options.

If you or a loved one were exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma or another asbestos disease, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Contact the lawyers at Hissey Mulderig & Friend for a free legal consultation by calling toll-free at 1-866-863-3848, or by filling out the free case evaluation form located on this page.