Malignant mesothelioma (>2600 cases/year in the UK) is an incurable cancer of the mesothelium caused by exposure to asbestos, often decades previously. Continued use of asbestos in many countries predicts that mesothelioma will become a global health threat during this century.
Operative removal of mesothelioma is rarely possible. When it is attempted, the operation requires removal of the whole lung and pleural lining of the hemithorax. Because of the aggressively infiltrating nature of mesothelioma, it is rare that all traces of the tumour can be removed.
