A patient with malignant mesothelioma may present with spontaneous or recurrent pneumothorax. It is important for the clinician to consider the possibility of a malignant mesothelioma when evaluating a patient with a pneumothorax.
Clinical features:
(1) The patient may present with either a spontaneous or recurrent pneumothorax or hydropneumothorax.
(2) The patient may have a history of industrial or asbestos exposure.
(3) The chest X-ray may show thickening or irregularity of the pleura.
In suspicious cases:
(1) a pleural biopsy should be taken if possible and the pathologist alerted to the possibility of a mesothelioma
(2) a more extensive occupational and recreational history should be taken if the initial history is negative for asbestos exposure
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
