Benign mesothelioma is a noncancerous tumor of the lining of the lung and chest cavity, an area called the pleura.
See also: Malignant mesothelioma
Mesothelioma - benign; Mesothelioma - fibrous; Localized fibrous tumor of the pleura; Pleural fibroma
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Nonmalignant mesothelioma affects men more frequently than women.
Approximately half of persons with this disease are asymptomatic, which means they do not show any symptoms.
If the tumor grows to a large size and pushes on the lung, it can lead to shortness of breath .
Other symptoms include:
Signs and tests:
During a physical examination, the health care provider may notice a clubbed appearance of the fingers. The tumor is usually found by accident when a chest x-ray is done for other reasons.
Other tests that may show benign mesothelioma include:
Treatment is usually needed to remove the tumor.
The outcome is expected to be good with prompt treatment. The condition may return in about 1 out of 10 cases. It may reoccur as long as 10 years later.
Pleural effusion (fluid escaping into the membranes around the lungs) is a complication.
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you notice symptoms of mesothelioma.
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Mason RJ, Murray J, VC Broaddus, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:2002.
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|Review Date: 8/29/2008|
Reviewed By: Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, Washington; and Benjamin Medoff, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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