A Worsening Cough: An Unusual Presentation of Malignant Mesothelioma

Localized malignant pleural mesothelioma (LMPM) is a rare cancer with poor survival rates. Often affecting males with asbestos exposure, we report a case of a 56-year-old female with no history of occupational exposure presenting with a worsening cough. A radiological examination revealed left pleural effusion and pleural thickening. Cytological and pathological reports of pleural samples were consistent with malignant mesothelioma of epithelioid type, with the histological examination via video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) consistent with a clear cell epithelioid mesothelioma. We discuss the rapid presentation of the disease with emphasis on considering the disease in young patients with no prior asbestos exposure.