Presentation
Former shipyard worker, with progressive shortness of breath and weight loss.
Patient Data
Age: 70 years
Gender: Male
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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.