Pathological Approach to Pleural Malignant Mesothelioma

Exposure to asbestos can lead asbestosis or malignancy 10-40 years after initial exposure [1]. Although its use has been banned in multiple countries, past occupational leads most cases that we see present time. Malignant mesothelioma is an insidious and rare neoplasm arise from mesothelial surface cells, being Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) the common type. Lifetime risk of developing among workers be as high 10 percent latency period approximately 30-40 since time development disease [2]. Annual incidence united states 3,300 per year [3]. Median overall survival patients with advanced unresectable 12 months [4]. Clinical suspicion should previous who pleural thickening and/or effusion associated respiratory symptoms. Most symptoms are nonspecific such chest pain, dyspnea, cough night sweats. Initial evaluation includes x-ray, contrast enhanced CT find abnormalities, thoracentesis closed biopsy. However, difficulties establishing diagnosis have illustrated on studies where fluid cytology only yields 26% cases. The diagnosis, then, established by morphologic immunohistochemistry findings cytologic surgical specimens.