| Title: | Pleural mesothelioma diagnosis for the pulmonologist |
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| Authors: | ID Fantin, Alberto (Author)
ID Castaldo, Nadia (Author)
ID Crisafulli, Ernesto (Author)
ID Sartori, Giulia (Author)
ID Patrucco, Filippo (Author)
ID Grosu, Horiana B. (Author)
ID Vailati, Paolo (Author)
ID Morana, Giuseppe (Author)
ID Patruno, Vincenzo (Author)
ID Kette, Stefano (Author)
ID Aujayeb, Avinash (Author)
ID Rozman, Aleš, Univerzitetna klinika za pljučne bolezni in alergijo Golnik (Author) |
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| Files: |  URL - Source URL, visit https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/17/23/3866
 PDF - Presentation file, download (14,98 MB)
MD5: 28F86E0C0326858D009C34BB2CC8AA0F
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| Language: | English |
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| Typology: | 1.02 - Review Article |
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| Organization: |  UKPBAG - University Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases Golnik
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| Abstract: | Background/Objectives: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and complex diagnostic pathways. Pulmonologists often play a central role in its initial recognition and investigation. This narrative review synthesizes the current evidence on the diagnostic approach to MPM, with emphasis on imaging, tissue sampling, histopathology, and emerging diagnostic innovations relevant to clinical pulmonology. Methods: English-language studies published between January 2005 and June 2025 were identified from PubMed and Scopus. International guidelines and consensus documents were also reviewed to provide an updated overview of diagnostic strategies. Results: Diagnosis of MPM relies on a stepwise integration of clinical, radiological, and pathological information. Thoracic ultrasound, computed tomography, positron emission computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging complement each other across different stages of the diagnostic pathway. Image-guided pleural biopsy and medical thoracoscopy remain the gold standard for tissue confirmation, supported by immunohistochemistry and molecular testing. The 2021 World Health Organization classification of pleural tumors and the International Association Study of Lung Cancer 9th Edition Tumour-Node-Mestastatis system have refined histologic and staging criteria, thereby improving reproducibility and prognostic accuracy. Emerging tools, including liquid biopsy, novel serum and molecular biomarkers, artificial-intelligence-based radiomics, and breathomics, offer promise for earlier and less invasive diagnosis but require prospective validation. Conclusions: Current advances are redefining MPM diagnosis toward integrated, multidisciplinary, and precision-based models. Future priorities include standardizing diagnostic algorithms, validating minimally invasive biomarkers, and integrating AI and molecular profiling into clinical workflows to enhance patient stratification. |
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| Publication status: | Published |
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| Publication version: | Version of Record |
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| Submitted for review: | 04.11.2025 |
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| Article acceptance date: | 29.11.2025 |
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| Publication date: | 01.12.2025 |
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| Year of publishing: | 2025 |
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| Number of pages: | 29 str. |
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| Numbering: | Vol. 17, issue 23, article no. 3866 |
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| PID: | 20.500.12556/DiRROS-27413  |
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| UDC: | 616.24-006.6:616-073 |
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| ISSN on article: | 2072-6694 |
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| DOI: | 10.3390/cancers17233866 |
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| COBISS.SI-ID: | 261553667 |
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| Copyright: | © 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ |
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| Note: | Nasl. z nasl. zaslona;
Sovtor iz Slovenije: Aleš Rozman;
Opis vira z dne 16. 12. 2025;
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| Publication date in DiRROS: | 06.02.2026 |
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| Views: | 30 |
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| Downloads: | 12 |
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