Mesothelioma Cancer

Other conditions associated with asbestos exposure

Benign asbestos-related pleural effusions

A pleural effusion is an abnormal collection of fluid within the pleural space. They commonly occur in victims of malignant mesothelioma, but also in asbestos-exposed individuals without this tumor. Those effusions that are not associated with malignant mesothelioma are called 'benign asbestos-related pleural effusions'. Although termed benign, they may still produce significant symptoms. They may occur in the absence of other asbestos-related diseases, or when an underlying pleural reaction (such as fibrosis) has become more severe.

Benign asbestos-related pleural effusions usually occur within 15 years of the first exposure, even after it has ceased. They tend to develop in younger men (in their 20s and 30s) and may be the most common indication of asbestos exposure in this age group (more so than pleural plaques or fibrosis). These effusions are usually small and occur as transient episodes without producing symptoms, or they may give rise to chest tightness, pleural pain, fever and breathlessness. Benign asbestos-related pleural effusions may require a biopsy via thoracoscopy to exclude diseases such as malignant mesothelioma in a person with a history of asbestos exposure.

The prognosis (outlook) with benign effusions is generally good: they tend to resolve spontaneously, whether the first or a recurrent effusion. There is no evidence that benign effusions predispose to malignant mesothelioma, but diffuse pleural fibrosis may develop after an effusion has resolved.