Mesothelioma (benign-fibrous)

Alternative Names: Mesothelioma - benign; Mesothelioma - fibrous; Localized fibrous tumor of the pleura; Pleural fibroma

Benign mesothelioma is a noncancerous tumor of the lining of the lung and chest cavity, an area called the pleura.

See also: Malignant mesothelioma

Causes of Mesothelioma (benign-fibrous)

Nonmalignant mesothelioma affects men more frequently than women.

Mesothelioma (benign-fibrous) Symptoms

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:

• Chest pain
• Chronic cough

Tests and Exams

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:

• CT scan of the chest
• Open lung biopsy

Treatment of Mesothelioma (benign-fibrous)

Treatment is usually needed to remove the tumor.

Prognosis (Outlook)

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.

Potential Complications

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

When to Contact a Health Professional

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

Broaddus VC, Robinson BWS. Tumors of the pleura. In: Mason RJ, Broaddus VC, Martin TR, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel'sTextbook of Respiratory Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 75.

Celli BR. Diseases of the diaphragm, chest wall, pleura, and mediastinum. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 100.

Respiratory system

Review Date: 9/15/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Denis Hadjiliadis, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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