The world seems filled with many misconceptions about mesothelioma. The internet proliferates many of these misunderstandings, too. One of the biggest is calling mesothelioma a type of lung cancer.
Similarly, people sometimes discuss mesothelioma using incorrect terms. Mistaking the name may happen when someone simply misspeaks. Stress can also cloud the memory, and a patient may not remember the exact word a doctor said. But does using the correct term really matter? It may, in some cases.
What Is Pleural Mesothelioma?
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining around the lungs. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of pleural mesothelioma. It is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for 80% – 90% of all cases.
Pleural mesothelioma has a prognosis of about 18 months with treatment. But some survivors, like Heather Von St. James, have lived much longer.
What Is The Difference Between Pulmonary and Pleural?
There is no pulmonary mesothelioma, but there is pleural mesothelioma. Confusing the two may stem from how “pleural” and “pulmonary” relate to the same body area. These words deal with the respiratory system and the chest. But they mean different things:
- “Pleural” describes the thin tissue that surrounds the lungs.
- “Pulmonary” refers to the lungs. It can relate to lung function or conditions that affect the lungs. Lung cancer is considered a pulmonary disease.
These words are related, but they are not interchangeable. One way to keep them straight is to remember that “pulmonary” refers to things in the lungs. And “pleural” refers to things outside and surrounding the lungs.
Some patients may have trouble understanding things if doctors use lots of medical terms. When this happens, patients should feel empowered to ask for additional explanations. A mesothelioma diagnosis can present many chances for confusion. Patients can prepare for appointments by gathering a list of questions to ask their doctors. They may also want to bring a friend or family member to help take notes.
