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Palliative

A treatment intended to relieve symptoms, but not cure a disease. Often, palliatives slow a disease's progress, but they do not provide a cure. Palliative treatments are known for improving quality of life in cancer patients.

Paracentesis

A diagnostic procedure in which a needle or tube is inserted into the peritoneal cavity. Used for diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Parenchyma

The essential or functional components of any organ.

Parietal pleura

The lining of the inner wall of the chest that most often falls victim to asbestos-related mesothelioma.

Pathogenicity

The capacity to cause disease.

Pathologist

A medical professional specializing in disease, its origins, and the study of abnormal tissue conditions.

Pericardium

The membrane which surrounds the human heart.

Peritoneum

The lining of the abdominal wall that is targeted by asbestos-related peritoneal mesothelioma.

Pet scan

A diagnostic procedure in which radioactive glucose is injected and a computerized scan determines whether the glucose is used by the body. Cancer can use more glucose than healthy cells, so this procedure is vital in locating cancer. PET stands for positron emission tomography scan.

Phagocytosis

A process by which cells digest solid substances. In phagocytosis, cells surround and envelop large particles.

Phenotype

A genetic expression.

Photodynamic therapy

A new cancer therapy in which a photosensitized chemical only absorbed by cancer cells is injected into the patient. A light is then shone which activates the chemical, killing the cancer cells.

Plaintiff

A person who brings action in a court of law (initiates a lawsuit).

Platelet

A blood cell that coagulates (clots) the blood.

Pleura

The membrane which surrounds and protects the lungs. The pleura is especially susceptible to mesothelioma.

Pleural cavity

The layer of tissue enclosed by the pleura.

Pleural effusion

A condition in which fluid collects in the pleural space.

Pleural fluid

The fluid inside the membranes that line the lung cavity.

Pleural mesothelioma

Cancer of the pleura.

Pleural plaques

A deposit on the pleura.

Pleurectomy

A surgical procedure designed to remove a portion of the pleura in the chest or abdomen.

Pleurodesis

A medical procedure in which drugs are used to cause the pleura to be inflamed and adhere to other pleural layers, preventing fluid buildup. This procedure is used to mediate severe pleural effusions.

Pneumoconiosis

Scarring and fibrosis of the lungs associated with dust inhalation, whether from coal dust, asbestos, silica or another agent.

Pneumonectomy

Removal of an entire lung.

Pneumonitis

Inflammation of lung tissue; can be caused by asbestos and lead to severe scarring.

Pneumothorax

The abnormal collection of air in the chest cavity.

Positron emission tomography

A diagnostic procedure that shows the metabolic and chemical functions of tissue or organs within the body. PET stands for positron emission tomography.

Prognosis

Chance of recovery from a given disease or condition.

Progressive disease

An illness that increases in severity over time.

Protein

A complex molecule comprised of essential amino acids. Proteins make up most cellular material in the human body.

Proto oncogenes

Genes responsible for differentiation and regulation of cells and cell growth. Overexpressions or mutations can lead to malignant tumors in some patients.

Protocol

A detailed plan for a clinical trial.

Pulmonary

Relating to the lungs.

Pulmonary fibrosis

A condition in which fibrous tissue collects in the lungs; also called interstitial disease.

Pulmonary function tests

A series of diagnostic tests that establish lung function. These can include lung volume tests (measures amount of air remaining in lungs post-exhalation), pulse oximetry and lung diffusion tests (measures amount of oxygen the lungs pass on to the bloodstream), and lung volume tests (measures amount of air that the lungs can hold).

Pulmonologist

A medical professional specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of lung-related conditions.

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