Pleural mesothelioma is a malignant tumor originating from pleural mesothelial cells, accounting for approximately 5% of pleural tumors. It is one of the most common primary tumors of the pleura, but overall it is relatively rare. The disease progresses rapidly and can be divided into localized and diffuse types, with the former mostly benign and the latter both malignant. The exact cause of pleural mesothelioma is not fully understood, but it is widely believed to be closely related to exposure to environmental factors such as asbestos.

The clinical manifestations of pleural mesothelioma are diverse, but usually lack specificity, mainly including persistent chest pain, dyspnea, and cough. As the condition progresses, patients may develop pleural effusion, which is often bloody or yellow exudate and is relatively viscous. When diagnosing, doctors need to make a comprehensive judgment based on the patient's symptoms, occupational history, imaging examinations (such as chest CT, ultrasound), and pathological examinations (such as pleural biopsy, thoracoscopy).

In terms of treatment, the treatment strategy for pleural mesothelioma depends on the type, stage, and overall condition of the tumor and the patient. For localized pleural mesothelioma, surgical resection is the preferred treatment method and the prognosis is relatively good. However, for diffuse pleural mesothelioma, due to the usually severe condition and limited surgical opportunities, comprehensive treatment methods such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are often used.

In recent years, with the deepening of medical research, the treatment methods for pleural mesothelioma have also been constantly updated. The latest treatment methods include minimally invasive surgery under thoracoscopy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Minimally invasive surgery under thoracoscopy involves small incisions into the chest cavity for tumor resection, with minimal damage to surrounding tissues, and is suitable for localized pleural mesothelioma. Targeted therapy targets specific molecular abnormalities in pleural mesothelioma, such as ALK fusion protein inhibitors. Immunotherapy aims to enhance patients' own anti-tumor immunity, and commonly used regimens include PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor monotherapy or combination therapy.

It should be noted that pleural mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that requires long-term and sustained treatment. Therefore, patients should undergo regular check ups, maintain good nutritional status, and avoid harmful behaviors such as smoking to reduce the risk of pulmonary complications. At the same time, patients should actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment plan to achieve the best treatment effect.