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Authors: Margarida Carrolo , Nataliya Polishchuk , Magda Alvoeiro

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Abstract

Background: Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare, aggressive, and hard-to-treat tumor whose worldwide incidence has been rising since mid-20th century. It that has been etiologically associated to asbestos exposure. Prognosis is poor with an overall survival rate of less than 1 year in untreated patients. Although considered a disease of the elderly, a subset of patients with mesothelioma are young. MPM is a rare cause of pleural effusion in the clinical practice among younger adults. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is required for its diagnosis. Case presentation: We herein describe a 31-year-old male patient with a BRCA1-associated-protein-1 negative MPM who presented with recurrent pleural effusions. The patient had no history of asbestos exposure. Conclusion: MPM is a rare cause of pleural effusion in the clinical practice among younger adults. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is required for its diagnosis.

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Keywords: Malignant pleural mesothelioma, pleural effusion, pleurectomy/decortication, case report, green

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