Presentation
Former shipyard worker, with progressive shortness of breath and weight loss.
Patient Data
Circumferential pleural thickening in the right thoracic cavity, with substantial volume loss within the right hemithorax.
Case Discussion
A mesothelioma, in general, is an aggressive malignant tumor, the vast majority arising from the pleural.
It is strongly associated with asbestos exposure, therefore afflicting those in industries with potential exposure, such as electricians and shipbuilders. A significant lag response is known, being up to 20-30 afters exposure.
It typically causes circumferential thickening of the pleura, encasing the lung with resultant volume loss.
Treatment options are limited. Prognosis is poor.