Mesothelioma (benign-fibrous)

Benign mesothelioma is a noncancerous tumor of the pleura (lining of the lung and chest cavity).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Nonmalignant mesothelioma is usually a localized tumor that affects men more frequently than women. The tumor may grow to a large size and compress the lung, causing the symptoms of shortness of breath.

Symptoms Return to top

Chronic cough
Shortness of breath
Chest pain

Approximately half of mesothelioma patients are asymptomatic (show no symptoms of disease).

Signs and tests Return to top
During a physical examination, the health care provider may notice a clubbed appearance of the fingers.

Tests that may show mesothelioma include the following:

Chest x-ray
CT scan of the chest
Open lung biopsy

Treatment Return to top

Surgery is usually necessary for a solitary tumor.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The outcome is expected to be good with prompt treatment.

Complications Return to top

Pleural effusion (fluid escaping into the membranes around the lungs) is a complication.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you notice symptoms of mesothelioma.

Credits to: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000116.htm#Causes,%20incidence,%20and%20risk%20factors


Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, D.O., Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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