Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include sweating, weakness, chest pain, fever, coughing and difficulty swallowing; symptoms of perioneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain and swelling, weight loss, nausea and vomiting. There are two common types of mesothelioma with each having unique symp

Mesothelioma cancer, also known as malignant mesothelioma, is a cancer that starts as a tumor in the mesothelium, which is a protective tissue lining that covers certain areas in the body, according to the American Cancer Society. There is a significant link between mesothelioma cancer and asbestos

The early signs of mesothelioma are subtle and resemble common ailments, according to the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. Complaints may include fatigue, muscle weakness, cough, fever and night sweats. As the disease progresses within the lungs, most patients experience lower back or side chest pain.

The survival rate for mesothelioma in stage I is 21 months, stage II is 19 months, stage III is 16 months and stage IV is 12 months, according to the American Cancer Society. It is important to note that survival rates are based on median survival.

Approximately 2,497 people died from mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, in 2013, according to The Mesothelioma Center. There are around 2,000 to 3,000 new diagnoses of mesothelioma per year. More than 37,000 people died from the disease from 1999 to 2013.

Pleural fluid prevents friction between the lungs and the chest cavity during respiration, and is found in a thin space between two layers of tissue. The tissues surrounding the lungs produce the fluid that rhythmically ebbs and flows in the small pleural space.

According to the American Cancer Society, the prognosis for a person diagnosed with mesothelioma depends upon the type, location, stage and treatment. As with most forms of cancer, the earlier it is detected, the better the chances of survival. However, with mesothelioma, even when diagnosis is made

Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma, according to the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance. Asbestos fibers are inhaled through the nose and mouth and can become embedded in the lining of the lungs, which harms the pleura and results in mesothelioma.

The main function of pleural membranes is to hold the two lungs within their pleural cavity. These membranes do this while ensuring that the lungs remain expanded during out-breaths and can move along each other smoothly during the process of breathing.

Pleural effusion is a medical condition in which too much fluid builds up behind the pleura. These are the spaces between the membranes that encase the lungs. It is normal to have some fluid in these spaces, but when symptoms like shortness of breath arise, medical help should be sought.