Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 80% of all cases. It develops in the pleural lining that surrounds the lungs and is caused by inhaled asbestos fibers that become lodged in the pleural tissue, triggering malignant cell growth over decades.
Pleural mesothelioma develops when inhaled asbestos fibers penetrate deep into the lungs and migrate to the pleural membrane. Over decades, these fibers cause chronic inflammation and DNA damage that leads to uncontrolled cell growth. The disease is classified by stage (I–IV) and cell type: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic.
Early symptoms include persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, and pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs). These symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as pneumonia or COPD, delaying proper diagnosis. Accurate diagnosis requires biopsy and immunohistochemistry testing.
Treatment options depend on stage and cell type, and may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery such as EPP or pleurectomy/decortication, and radiation therapy. Learn more about pleural mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment.
- Also known as
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma, MPM
- Category
- Medical
- ICD-10 Code
C45.0- Related terms
- Mesothelioma, Pleural Effusion, Pleural Plaques, Epithelioid Mesothelioma, Cancer Staging
What are the first signs of pleural mesothelioma?
Early symptoms include persistent chest pain, shortness of breath, and pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs). These are often misdiagnosed as pneumonia or COPD.
How is pleural mesothelioma diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires a tissue biopsy with immunohistochemistry testing to confirm mesothelioma cells and determine the cell type (epithelioid, sarcomatoid, or biphasic).
What is the survival rate for pleural mesothelioma?
Median survival ranges from 12 to 21 months depending on stage and cell type. Early-stage epithelioid cases treated with multimodal therapy have the best outcomes.
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