A cancerous tumour of the pleura. Exposure to asbestos dust is a risk factor (see asbestos-related diseases). Symptoms, which do not always occur, include cough, chest pain, and breathing difficulty, especially if a pleural effusion develops. Diagnosis is made with a chest X-ray followed by pleural biopsy or examination of a fluid sample from any effusion. If the tumour is small, surgery is often successful. There is no effective treatment for large tumours, although radiotherapy may alleviate symptoms.
Mesothelioma |
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