Pericardial mesothelioma (PM) is an extremely rare tumour for which only case reports, small case series, and case reviews have been published. This is a large population-based study on PM in Italy using data from the Italian National Mesothelioma Registry (Registro Nazionale Mesoteliomi, ReNaM). Information collected includes detailed clinical … [Read more...]
Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis for the Pulmonologist: Steps Along the Way
Background/Objectives: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and complex diagnostic pathways. Pulmonologists often play a central role in its initial recognition and investigation. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on the diagnostic approach to [malignant pleural mesothelioma … [Read more...]
Optimizing the Pathological Diagnosis of Diffuse Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Background: Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) is the most common histological type of peritoneal mesothelioma (PM). Accurate histology and Ki67 assessment are crucial for treatment and prognosis, yet intra-tumoral heterogeneity may hinder preoperative diagnostics. A standardized diagnostic pathway is lacking. This study evaluates … [Read more...]
Long Road to Identifying Peritoneal Mesothelioma: An Elusive Diagnosis
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive malignancy that often presents with non-specific abdominal symptoms such as ascites, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. It poses significant diagnostic challenges, especially in the absence of classical risk factors like asbestos exposure. We report the case of a 60-year-old woman with a … [Read more...]
The presence of pleural effusion is an independent prognostic factor in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma
Abstract: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare form of thoracic malignancy with a poor prognosis. Pleural effusion (PE) occurs in the majority of patients with MPM; however, its impact on MPM outcomes remains controversial. We searched for eligible patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, and … [Read more...]
Diffuse Pleural Mesothelioma: A Challenge in Early Diagnosis
Abstract: We present the clinical case of a 58-year-old female patient, a smoker with occupational exposure to respiratory toxins, who was admitted to our clinic following evaluation in an emergency department, where she was diagnosed with a moderate right pleural effusion. Upon admission, the patient exhibited respiratory symptoms, including … [Read more...]
Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline
Introduction The purpose of this guideline is to provide recommendations for the management of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), an aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. In the United States, about 3,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. The median overall survival of patients with advanced surgically unresectable disease is … [Read more...]
Exhaled Breath May Predict Treatment Outcomes in Patients With Mesothelioma
The identification of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath is a promising opportunity for noninvasive detection and prediction of treatment outcomes in patients with mesothelioma, according to data from a pilot study presented at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer 2023 World Conference on Lung Cancer, held … [Read more...]
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) Presenting as Hydropneumothorax
An 86-year-old man presented with bilateral lower limb edema and was found to have hydropneumothorax on chest radiography. CT revealed a substantial pleural effusion and plaques. The patient had a history of working in a stone workshop, but the extent of asbestos exposure remained unknown. Thoracic drainage and subsequent thoracoscopic surgery … [Read more...]
Incidence of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Decreased in the United States During 2004 to 2019
Despite a rising global incidence, long-term data reveal the U.S. [ incidence rate of pleural mesothelioma ] has decreased and overall survival for patients with mesothelioma is improving, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the European Lung Cancer Congress, held from March 29 to April 1 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Mohamed … [Read more...]