The pleura (lining of the lungs) is actually comprised of two parts. It has an inner (visceral) layer which is next to the lung and an outer (parietal) layer that covers the chest wall. The two layers slide over each other as we breath and membranes in the lungs often produce lubricating fluid to make this process easier. When pleural mesothelioma develops it causes the inner and outer layers to become thicker and they then press inwards on the lungs. This can lead to a number of undesirable symptoms which I will discuss below:
1) DIFFICULTY BREATHING:- As the inner and outer layers of the pleura start to push against the lungs it may become difficult for you to breathe. This can then lead to your throat becoming hoarse, coughing, problems swallowing and regular feelings of being out of breath.
2) PAIN IN THE CHEST:- As the layers of the pleura push against the lungs this can cause chest pain. You may also feel pain in your shoulders and arms.
3) PLEURAL EFFUSION:- As I mentioned above the membranes of the lungs produce lubricating fluid which allows the layers of the pleura to easily slide against each other. However, when pleural mesothelioma develops the inner and outer layers become thicker and fluid can become trapped more easily. If fluid does become trapped it is referred to as pleural effusion. Pleural effusion can lead to further chest pain and difficulty breathing but often has no symptoms that you will feel.
