Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent form of mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma is a serious form of cancer that is often misdiagnosed for a number of reasons. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are very general usually, and can be mistaken for the flu, pneumonia, or even bronchitis. The symptoms of mesothelioma, especially in its early stages, can resemble those of other diseases and conditions such as pneumonia, COPD, emphysema and even advancing age. In pleural mesothelioma, almost all patients experience shortness of breath (also known as dyspnea) and/or pain.

Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most prevalent form of mesothelioma. According to the American Cancer Society, three-quarters of all mesothelioma cases are pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to treat because its symptoms do not appear until it is well advanced. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are similar to many other illnesses and include shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.