Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
07:54
Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
Published on: December 21, 2019
Diagnostic Challenges in Pleural Mesothelioma.
Moshe Lapidot1,2, Martin Sattler3
1Division of Thoracic Surgery, Lung Center and International Mesothelioma Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Cancers
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Accurate diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma (PM) is challenging due to diagnostic delays and nonspecific symptoms. Developing new biomarkers is crucial for earlier detection and improved patient outcomes in this rare cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
Background:
- Accurate diagnosis and histologic subtyping of pleural mesothelioma (PM) are essential for effective, subtype-dependent treatment strategies.
- Delayed diagnosis is common due to the long latency period between asbestos exposure and symptom onset, often resulting in advanced-stage disease.
- Nonspecific clinical and radiologic presentations, rarity, and lack of pathognomonic markers contribute to diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiologic, clinical, radiologic, and pathologic barriers hindering early and accurate diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma.
- To highlight the urgent need for novel, validated biomarkers for improved PM detection and management.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current clinical evidence and literature on pleural mesothelioma diagnosis.
- It focuses on identifying obstacles in diagnosis across various medical disciplines.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic delays are frequent, often leading to advanced disease presentation.
- Current diagnostic methods are hampered by nonspecific findings and the absence of definitive markers.
- Earlier diagnosis is linked to better prognosis and more treatment options.
Conclusions:
- Significant barriers impede the timely and accurate diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma.
- A multidisciplinary approach is required to develop novel biomarkers for earlier detection.
- Improved diagnostic strategies are critical for enhancing patient outcomes in pleural mesothelioma.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
The pleura is a vital part of the respiratory system. It's a double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. The two layers of the pleura are:
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
01:13Pleura of the Lungs
The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations: