Pleural mesothelioma is associated with exposure to asbestos, especially blue asbestos. Mesothelioma is a tumour of mesothelial cells which generally occurs in the pleura - note* (rarely a mesothelioma may occur in the peritoneum or other organs)
The exposure need only be brief. There may be an associated lag-time of 20 to 40 years. Only approximately 20% of patients have pulmonary asbestosis; however, about 90% of patients report previous exposure to asbestosis.
