Malignant pleural mesothelioma signs and symptoms

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is developed from mesothelial cells and its behavior depends on the degree of pleural invasion and adjacent organs. This extension around the pleural cavity or more unlikely located on a limited area leads to clinical signs as dyspnea, shortness of breath, cough or chest pain. The relationship between asbestos exposure and MPM has been well established. The symptoms of MPM usually appear 30–40 years after exposure to asbestos. Consequently, patients are unaware that the clinical presentation is related to their clinical exposure which happened much earlier in their lives. Clinical manifestations of MPM are usually nonspecific and should not be used alone as diagnostic criteria, even in case of previous asbestos exposure as recommended by the ERS guidelines.