Malignant mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare tumor of the lung pleura, peritoneum, pericardium, or tunica vaginalis testis primarily found in males between 50 and 80 years of age. There are approximately 2500 new cases diagnosed annually in the USA. Up to 80% of mesotheliomas are associated with direct or indirect asbestos exposure, with a long latency period of 30-40 years from exposure to diagnosis. Prognosis is based on stage and histologic type with epithelial histology being more favorable than sarcomatoid. Depending on presentation, treatment includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, even with treatment, prognosis for this disease remains poor with average survival from time of diagnosis of approximately 1 year.