British Thoracic Society Guideline for the investigation and management of malignant pleural mesothelioma

The key aim of this guideline is to provide detailed, evidencebased guidance for the investigation of suspected MPM and the subsequent care and management of individuals with proven MPM. MPM is a rare cancer where the malignancy affects the pleura, a thin membrane of lubricating cells that lines the lungs and chest wall. The focus of this guideline is MPM as it is far more common than mesothelioma occurring in the abdomen. The 2016 Mesothelioma Audit data reported that in the UK in 2014 pleural mesothelioma accounted for 2179 cases (97%), with 70 peritoneal cases (approximately 3%).