Mesothelioma Questions

YES

Technically there are two types of mesothelioma:
1. Localized (benign or malignant)
2. Diffuse (highly malignant)
Localized mesothelioma often presents with: pleuritic pain, joint pain and swelling, and dyspnea. Diffuse mesothelioma often presents with chest pain (not necessarily pleuritic), malaise, weight loss, and cough. Pleural effusion is the hallmark sign presenting in greater than 75% of diffuse cases, but on 10% to 15% of the time in local disease. Benign disease presents as “broccoli” or “cauliflower” pedunculated masses on the visceral pleura, as opposed to the “sheet like” growth of malignant disease. Overall malignant mesothelioma occurs in the pleura 90% of the time. Pleural malignant mesothelioma is associated with asbestos exposure in 77% of cases.