Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare tumour. Exposure to asbestos is a well-established aetiological factor for MPM. Patients typically present with shortness of breath due to pleural effusion or chest pain in a more advanced stage. The diagnosis is usually suggested by imaging studies (unilateral pleural thickening; pleural effusion). An occupational history must be obtained. Cytological examination of the effusion can be diagnostic, but often shows equivocal results. Therefore, histology, including immunohistochemistry, is the gold standard. Thoracoscopy, a video-assisted surgical procedure or open pleural biopsy in a fused pleural space may be necessary to provide sufficient material for accurate histological diagnosis. There are three main histological types (epithelial, sarcomatous and mixed) with ~60% being epithelial. Data suggest the possible contribution of serum mesothelin-related proteins and osteopontin along with others as useful markers to support the diagnosis of mesothelioma; however, the precise role of these markers is yet to be defined.
Highlights
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive neoplasm of the serosal lining of the pleural cavity arising from the mesothelial cells [1]
Detection is limited by the long latency period, an inability of imaging to detect the disease at an early stage even when it is used as a screening strategy, and the lack of sensitive and specific blood-based markers [6]
Data obtained from the information network of the General Organization for Industrialization in Egypt showed that 14 asbestos factories were present in Egypt in the year 2004 [17]
Summary
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive neoplasm of the serosal lining of the pleural cavity arising from the mesothelial cells (i.e. from undifferentiated cells representing the adult remnants of the surface coelomic mesoderm) [1]. Epidemiological data of 635 malignant mesothelioma patients over 4 years were collected from the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University and Abbassia Chest Hospital. Data obtained from the information network of the General Organization for Industrialization in Egypt showed that 14 asbestos factories were present in Egypt in the year 2004 [17] These factories affect an area of ∼5–7 km in radius, which explains the high. Diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma The diagnosis of MPM is based on clinical presentation, history of asbestos exposure, radiological finding as well as pathological diagnosis [19]. Radiology The radiological diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma requires a high degree of clinical suspicion [23] It is better in visualization of the prediaphragmatic region in a single breath-hold, minimizing motion artifacts and better visualization of the diaphragmatic extension of MPM [28].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
