ABSTRACT
Diffuse malignant mesothelioma is a rare primary pleural neoplasm, and a significant number of individuals who develop this malignancy have been previously exposed to asbestos. Given this clear occupational association, the prevalence is higher in cities with asbestos-related construction. It usually manifests in the sixth to eighth decades of life, with a male predominance. Clinical symptoms are frequently present for a few months before diagnosis, and sadly, once the diagnosis has been made, the prognosis for patients with this tumour is extremely poor. The classic gross features include plaques and masses of tumour that encase the lung, and on imaging, this manifests as reduced volume involving the hemithorax. As the tumour grows into the fissures and the interlobular septa, eventually, parenchymal involvement also becomes evident. There are multiple radiological features that allow the radiologist to make the diagnosis with high confidence. Imaging also plays a crucial role in assessing response to treatment and provides information to the clinician to plan management. In this chapter, we explore radiological features on various imaging modalities and provide the details of the evidence that support key findings. Details of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment are beyond the scope of this chapter.
