MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Mesothelioma (benign-fibrous)

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Mesothelioma (benign-fibrous)

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Illustrations

Respiratory system

Definition Return to top

Benign mesothelioma is a noncancerous tumor of the pleura (lining of the lung and chest cavity).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Nonmalignant mesothelioma is usually a localized tumor that affects men more frequently than women. The tumor may grow to a large size and compress the lung, causing the symptoms of shortness of breath.

Symptoms Return to top

Signs and tests Return to top

During a physical examination, the health care provider may notice a clubbed appearance of the fingers.

Tests that may show mesothelioma include the following:

Treatment Return to top

Surgery is usually necessary for a solitary tumor.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

The outcome is expected to be good with prompt treatment.

Complications Return to top

Pleural effusion (fluid escaping into the membranes around the lungs) is a complication.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you notice symptoms of mesothelioma.

Update Date: 5/7/2003

Updated by: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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