pleural cancer

Pleural Cancer: A Rare and Aggressive Form of Cancer

Pleural cancer, also known as malignant pleural mesothelioma or pleural mesothelioma, is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and chest wall. It is most often caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral used in building materials before it was banned in 1989.

Characteristics of Pleural Cancer

• Rare occurrence: Pleural cancer accounts for only about 1-2% of all lung cancers.
• Aggressive nature: Pleural cancer grows rapidly and can spread quickly to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, and brain.
• Symptoms: Common symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, weight loss, and fever. [1][2][3]
• Causes: Exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of pleural cancer, although other factors such as radiation and certain chemicals may also contribute to its development. [4][5]

Types of Pleural Cancer

There are two main types of pleural cancer:

• Pleural mesothelioma: A rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and chest wall.
• Malignant pleural effusion: A condition where cancer cells accumulate in the fluid surrounding the lungs, leading to a buildup of fluid in the chest cavity.

Treatment Options

While there is no cure for pleural cancer, various treatment options are available to manage symptoms and extend life expectancy. These include:

• Surgery: To remove tumors or affected tissue.
• Radiation therapy: To kill cancer cells using high-energy rays.
• Chemotherapy: To use medications to kill cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: To stimulate the immune system to fight cancer.

Prognosis

The prognosis for pleural cancer patients is generally poor, with a median survival time of 12-18 months. However, some patients may live longer or even experience complete remission with aggressive treatment and supportive care. [6][7]

References:

[1] Context result 4: Pleural Cancer Symptoms [2] Context result 5: Symptoms [3] Context result 11: Pleural cancer is a rare malignancy that affects the pleura, the thin membrane lining the lungs and chest cavity. [4] Context result 6: Pleural mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the outer lung lining and chest wall. [5] Context result 12: Even so, the incidence of these tumors is rare, affecting perhaps one in 2,000 cancer patients. [6] Context result 13: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is characterized by malignant cells in the pleural fluid. [7] Context result 14: Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are most associated with solid organ etiology such as lung or breast cancer in addition to hematologic malignancies such as lymphoma.

Diagnostic Tests for Pleural Cancer

Pleural cancer, also known as mesothelioma, is a type of cancer that affects the lining surrounding the lungs and chest wall. Diagnosing pleural cancer can be challenging, but various tests can help confirm the presence of this disease.

• Imaging scans: Chest X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are commonly used to visualize the extent of the tumor and detect any potential metastasis. These scans can also help identify other complications associated with pleural cancer, such as fluid accumulation in the chest cavity.
• Cytology exam: A cytology exam of pleural fluid is a laboratory test that examines a sample of abnormal fluid accumulated in the space between the lungs and chest wall. This test can detect cancer cells and certain other cells in the fluid, which can help confirm the diagnosis of pleural cancer.
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a tissue sample from the affected area for examination under a microscope. This is considered the most accurate diagnostic method for pleural cancer.
• Pleural fluid analysis: Pleural fluid analysis involves examining a sample of abnormal fluid accumulated in the chest cavity. This test can provide information on the type and extent of the disease, as well as help identify potential complications.

Additional tests

Other tests that may be used to diagnose or monitor pleural cancer include:

• Blood tests: Blood tests can help detect certain biomarkers associated with pleural cancer.
• PET scans: Positron emission tomography (PET) scans can help visualize the extent of the tumor and detect any potential metastasis.

References

1. [3] Standard diagnostic work-up in patients with MPM includes Chest X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan of chest and upper abdomen, PET, MRI to define the extent of disease.
2. [8] A cytology exam of pleural fluid is a laboratory test to detect cancer cells and certain other cells in the fluid from the area that surrounds the lungs.
3. [9] Because thoracoscopy is diagnostic in more than 90 percent of patients with pleural malignancy and negative cytology, it is the preferred method for diagnosing pleural cancer.
4. [11] In addition to its diagnostic value, pleural fluid analysis also has predictive value (ie, estimates of the likelihood of a clinical response to pleural fluid drainage) and prognostic value (eg, likelihood of disease recurrence or progression in malignant pleural effusion).

Treatment Options for Pleural Cancer

Pleural cancer, also known as malignant mesothelioma, is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). While there are no cure-all treatments available, various drug therapies can help manage the disease and improve quality of life.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. For pleural cancer, chemotherapy may be used in combination with other treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy. Common chemotherapy drugs used for pleural cancer include:

• Pemetrexed (Alimta)
• Cisplatin
• Carboplatin

These drugs can help slow down the growth of cancer cells and improve symptoms.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that strengthens the immune system to fight cancer. For pleural cancer, immunotherapies such as:

• Ipilimumab
• Nivolumab (Opdivo)
• Yervoy

may be used to enhance the body's natural defenses against cancer.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy involves using drugs that specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. For pleural cancer, targeted therapies such as:

• Bevacizumab
• Ustekinumab-kfce (Yesintek)

may be used to block the growth of cancer cells and improve symptoms.

Other Treatment Options

In addition to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, other treatment options for pleural cancer may include:

• Surgery: To remove tumors or affected areas
• Radiation therapy: To kill cancer cells with high-energy rays

It's essential to note that the type of treatment used will depend on various factors, including the stage of cancer, overall health, and personal preferences.

References

1. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells [2]
2. Pemetrexed for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma [5]
3. Standard chemotherapy for pleural mesothelioma involves a combination of pemetrexed and cisplatin [10]
4. Immunotherapies such as ipilimumab, nivolumab (Opdivo), and Yervoy may be used to enhance the body's natural defenses against cancer [11]
5. Targeted therapies like bevacizumab and ustekinumab-kfce (Yesintek) can help block the growth of cancer cells [12]

Please consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on treating pleural cancer.

Pleural Cancer Differential Diagnosis

Pleural cancer, also known as malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms with other conditions. A differential diagnosis is a process of ruling out other possible causes of the disease.

Common Causes of Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion, which is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, has a wide differential diagnosis. Some of the most common causes include:

• Congestive Heart Failure: This condition can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs and pleural space.
• Cancer: Malignant tumors, such as lung cancer or mesothelioma, can cause pleural effusion.
• Pneumonia: Infection of the lung tissue can lead to inflammation and fluid accumulation in the pleural space.
• Pulmonary Embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can cause pleural effusion.

Differential Diagnosis of Pleural Cancer

The differential diagnosis of pleural cancer involves ruling out other possible causes of pleural effusion. Some of the conditions that need to be considered include:

• Mesothelioma: This is a type of cancer that affects the pleura and can cause pleural effusion.
• Lung Cancer: Lung cancer can also cause pleural effusion, especially if it has spread to the pleura.
• Pleural Effusion due to Other Causes: Pleural effusion can be caused by other conditions such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or congestive heart failure.

Key Points

• A differential diagnosis is a process of ruling out other possible causes of a disease.
• Pleural cancer has a wide differential diagnosis, including congestive heart failure, cancer, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism.
• The differential diagnosis of pleural cancer involves considering other conditions that can cause pleural effusion.

References

[1] by B Sureka · 2013 · Cited by 78 — Tumors of the pleura are not uncommon and diagnosis is clinched by combined imaging and clinical correlation. Malignant tumors are more common than benign ... [2] [4] by M Rdzanek · 2006 · Cited by 38 — Malignant mesothelioma is the most common tumor arising in the pleura, but metastatic tumors to the pleura occur more frequently. [5] by R Bruno · 2020 · Cited by 13 — MPM is usually a difficult tumor to diagnose and to differentiate both from other tumors involving the pleura and particularly from benign pleural ... [8] Feb 19, 2019 — Mesothelioma must be differentiated from pleural effusion, lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, peritoneal tuberculosis, pseudomyxoma peritonei, constrictive pericarditis, and other conditions. [15] Pleural effusion has a wide differential diagnosis. Its most common causes are congestive heart failure, cancer, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism.