malignant pleural mesothelioma
Pronunciation: mez-oh-thee-lee-OH-ma
Also written as: MPM — Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
An aggressive malignancy arising from the mesothelial cells lining the pleural cavity, strongly associated with asbestos exposure.
Full Definition
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but highly aggressive cancer that develops from the mesothelial cells of the pleural membrane. The disease is strongly linked to asbestos exposure, with a latency period typically ranging from 20-40 years. MPM presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its tendency to grow along pleural surfaces rather than as discrete masses. Histological subtypes include epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic variants, with epithelioid having the best prognosis. Treatment options are limited and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or combinations thereof, with median survival typically measured in months rather than years.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify 'malignant' to distinguish from benign mesothelioma; 'pleural' can be omitted when context is clear.
In Context
- "The biopsy confirmed malignant pleural mesothelioma with epithelioid histology." — Pathology report
- "Patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma should be evaluated for multimodality treatment at specialized centers." — Treatment guidelines