Differential Diagnosis
1. Cancers from the lung, breast, ovary, and GI tract may all metastasize to mesothelium.
2. Benign Fibrous Pleural Mesothelioma- these are well localized tumors which appear as nodules on imaging. Patients are often asymptomatic and these are incidental findings on imaging. On occasion individuals may present with cough, chest pain or shortness of breath.. There is no apparent relationship to asbestos exposure and development of this tumor.
3. Granulomatous Lesions- may occur after surgery from cautery or a foreign body reaction such as to Talc or other irritating agent
4. Pulmonary and Peritoneal fibrosis