Unexpected longevity of a patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma: report of a case

A 53-year-old male with untreated malignant pleural mesothelioma and with seven years survival time since the appearance of clinical symptoms is reported. Histopathological and immunological findings were at variance with those usually seen with mesothelioma. Both lymphocyte surface markers and lymphocyte function values were found to be within normal range; in contrast, in eleven mesothelioma patients who progressed and died, both numerical and functional defects in T and B lymphocytes were seen. There was potential for neighborhood asbestos exposure.