Tips for Living With Pleural Mesothelioma

Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography on Unsplash

Being diagnosed with any form of cancer is scary and jarring. But it’s particularly frustrating and anxiety-inducing when it’s a type of cancer that has no known cure. 

That’s the case with pleural mesothelioma, which is the most common type of mesothelioma on the planet. And while there might not be a known cure, there are plenty of ways that individuals can improve and extend their quality of life. 

Let’s explore this further to better understand what options exist for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones.

What is Pleural Mesothelioma?

Pleural mesothelioma is cancer of the pleura, which is a very thin membrane that lines the chest wall and lungs. When someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, there’s an 80 percent chance it’s the pleural that’s primarily affected. 

While rare when looked at in terms of global percentages, pleural mesothelioma is serious and can quickly spread to other parts of the body – often before it’s detected by doctors. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

• Lower back pain
• Unexpected weight loss
• Hoarseness
• Fluid buildup in the pleural space
• Night sweats
• Fatigue
• Swelling of the face or arms
• Difficulty swallowing

Because many of these symptoms are similar to other common illnesses, including pneumonia, mesothelioma is rarely diagnosed as early as it could be. 

The primary known cause of pleural mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, which is a natural product typically found in homes and buildings that were built before the 1980s. In most cases, it’s occupational exposure to asbestos that causes mesothelioma. 

People who were exposed to mesothelioma on a repeated, ongoing basis over the course of many years usually face the highest risk of developing the disease later in life. 

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they often travel to the lungs. However, these fibers sometimes enter the pleural space, which includes mesothelial cells. These microscopic fibers cause irritation to cells and cell mutations occur. While mesothelial cells often absorb unwanted particles, they struggle to expel asbestos fibers.

When these highly-irritable asbestos particles are in the pleural space, they can cause mesothelial cells to mutate and develop into cancerous cells that clump together and form tumors.

The Outlook for Pleural Mesothelioma

Because of the difficulty in detecting pleural mesothelioma before it’s progressed to the point of spreading to other parts of the body, the outlook for this rare disease is bleak. The average life expectancy is 11-20 months from the time of diagnosis, though some patients are able to live up to several years as a result of evolving surgical techniques, and improvements in immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Tips for Living With Pleural Mesothelioma

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, shock is usually the first thing to set in. But once you get past the initial surprise, it’s important to shift your attention and focus toward living with it. 

Here are several tips for improving your quality of life as you deal with pleural mesothelioma:

• Stay informed. Do everything you can to learn about pleural mesothelioma and the symptoms, treatment options, etc. The more you know, the more you can make informed decisions that are best for you and your loved ones.

• Build your support system. You don’t want to do this on your own. Build a strong support system full of friends, family members, and even a support group (if you feel like it’s helpful). By sharing your feelings and being transparent, you open yourself up to receive comfort and encouragement from those who love you.

• Follow your treatment plan. Adhere to your prescribed treatment plan, including medications, chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Consistency is crucial in managing pleural mesothelioma and improving your overall well-being.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Healthy lifestyle choices will only help you feel better and extend your quality of life. This means eating a balanced diet of fresh foods, staying hydrated, and exercising as much as your body allows.

• Prioritize your mental health. Coping with pleural mesothelioma can take a toll on your mental health. Consider engaging in activities that bring you joy, practicing relaxation techniques, and seeking professional mental health support if needed.

• Manage symptoms. While there might not be any guaranteed way to treat or reverse pleural mesothelioma, there are plenty of ways you can manage systems to make yourself more comfortable. Work closely with your healthcare team to help manage symptoms like pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath. They’ll be able to provide suggestions, or even medication, to help you live a more comfortable life. 

Putting it All Together

Having cancer isn’t easy. And it’s especially challenging when you have a disease like pleural mesothelioma, which doesn’t exactly have the longest life expectancy. But numbers are only numbers, and there are always exceptions. 

By being smart about how you respond, you can improve your quality of life and live well through your fight with this disease. Take one step at a time, and don’t forget to lean on your support system when needed.