A known cause of malignant mesothelioma is previous exposure to asbestos fibres. The disease is of global nature. About 2,000-3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the US each year and this figure is increasing. Incidence is rising in Europe and there is evidence that asbestos is still being imported into developing countries By the time the symptoms appear and cancer is diagnosed, the disease is often advanced.

This book is an essential reference work for pathologists, clinicians, and specialists in the medico-legal profession having to deal with this disease.

1. The Epidemiology of Mesothelioma 2. Molecular Biology 3. Serosal Anatomy and Anatomical Distribution of Mesothelioma 4. Clinical Aspects of Mesothelioma 5. Management of Malignant Serosal Effusions 6. Pathologic Diagnosis and Classification of Mesothelioma 7. Macroscopic Features of Mesotheliomas 8. Classification and Histologic Features of Epithelioid Mesotheliomas A. Epithelioid Mesothelioma B. Biphasic Mesothelioma C. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma D. Desmoplastic Malignant Mesothelioma E. Lymphohistiocytoid Mesothelioma 9. Differential Diagnosis: Mesothelial Proliferations A. Reactive Mesothelial Proliferations (Epithelioid) B. Fibrous Pleurisy C. Immunohistochemical Findings in Reactive vs. Neoplastic Processes 10. Differential Diagnosis: Other Mesothelial Lesions A. Adenomatoid Tumors B. Well Differentiated Papillary Mesothelioma C. Multicystic Mesothelioma 11. Non Mesothelial Lesions A. Reactive Squamous Metaplasia B. Nodular Histiocytic Mesothelial Hyperplasia C. Endosalpingiosis D. Ectopic Decidua 12. Non Mesothelial Tumors of the Serosal Cavity: Sarcomas A. Synovial Sarcoma B. Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma and Angiosarcoma C. Leiomyosarcoma D. Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor E. Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor F. Desmoid Tumor G. Desmoplastic Round Cell Tumor H. Pleuropulmonary Blastoma I. Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor 13. Non Mesothelial Tumors: Other Than Sarcomas A. Solitary Fibrous Tumour B. Calcifying Fibrous Pseudotumour C. Leiomyomatosis Peritonealis Disseminata D. Thymoma/Thymic Carcinoma E. Melanoma F. Serous Carcinoma G. Lymphomas of the Serosal Cavities H. Other Lymphomas that may Involve the Pleura 14. APPENDICES