Mesothelioma (benign-fibrous)

Mesothelioma (benign-fibrous)
Definition:

A noncancerous tumor of the pleura (lining of the lung and chest cavity).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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:

chroniccough
shortness of breath
chest pain
Signs and tests:

A physical examination reveals the clubbed appearance of the fingers.

Tests that may show benign mesothelioma:

chest X-ray
CT scan of the chest
open lung biopsy
Treatment:

Surgery is indicated for a solitary tumor.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome is expected to be good with prompt treatment.

Complications:

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 a chroniccough or other signs of mesothelioma.

Prevention:
There is no known prevention for this very rare disorder