Malignant pleural mesothelioma: two cases in first degree relatives

Abstract

We report two cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma in first degree relatives arising within weeks of each other. The patients had a shared exposure to asbestos and age difference of over 20 years at time of presentation. In both cases, the anatomical pattern was similar and unusual for mesothelioma and initial histology was reported for both as non-small cell lung cancer. Both patients were treated with platinum-based combination chemotherapy.