Tuberc Respir Dis.  1982 Mar;29(1):43-46. 10.4046/trd.1982.29.1.43.

Malignant Mesothelioma Causing Bloody Pleural Effusion

• KMID: 2528842
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.1982.29.1.43

Abstract

Mesothelioma is a rare primary neoplasm of the pleura and can be seperated into benign and malignant lesions. Mesotheliomas are usually, but not always, related to previous exposure to asbestos. Malignant mesothelioma usually infiltrate widely over the pleural surface and may completely encase the lung; the tumor often invades the diaphragm, pericardium and hilar lymph nodes. Cough, chest pain, and weight 10ss are nearly a1ways present in addition to dyspnea. Bloody pelural effusion containing malignant cells is frequently observed. Prognosis of patients with diffuse malignant mesothelioma is bad. This 28-year-old female patient was transferred to BNUH from local clinic because of b100dy pleural effusion of one months duration. On chest film, there was total haziness of left lung due to pleural effusion. After thoracentesis, chest films showed mass-like density by air-contrast in pleural cavity. CT of the chest showed multiply lobulated intrapleural mass with pleural effusion. By pleural needle biopsy, the lesion was confirmed as a malignant mesothelioma.