Mesothelioma: a misdiagnosed entity in Pakistan

Abstract

The incidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma is rising in many nationsworldwide, owing to the late banning of asbestos use and the latency betweenexposure and disease development. However it remains difficult to detect early andtreat effectively. A case report of a young woman from northern Pakistan is reported here in whom the diagnosis was confirmed histologically after three inconclusive biopsies. It is emphasised that this diagnosis should be kept in mind when dealing with recurrent pleural effusion, pleural thickening with pain, and there should be a close liaison with histopathologist.