Editing Understanding Your Diagnosis (section)

=== Pleural Mesothelioma: The Most Common Diagnosis ===

Pleural mesothelioma develops in the pleura, the two-layer membrane surrounding the lungs, and represents approximately 75-80% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. The pleura consists of a visceral layer directly covering the lung surface and a parietal layer lining the chest cavity, with a small amount of lubricating fluid between them enabling smooth breathing movements ([https://www.mesotheliomalawyercenter.org/asbestos/diseases/pleural-effusion/ Pleural Effusion Information]).

Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include persistent shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, unexplained weight loss, and chronic dry cough. These symptoms develop as tumors thicken the pleural membranes and fluid accumulates in the chest cavity, compressing lung tissue. Diagnosis typically involves imaging scans followed by a tissue biopsy to confirm the presence of malignant mesothelioma cells.

From a treatment perspective, pleural mesothelioma offers the most established surgical options, including pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) and extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP). Modern P/D techniques at specialized centers have demonstrated median survival of 38.1 months for appropriate surgical candidates, compared to historical averages of 12-14 months ([https://mesotheliomaattorney.com/mesothelioma/types/pleural/ Pleural Mesothelioma Treatment]).