Mesothelioma used to be a rare disease, but because of the widespread use of asbestos it has now been described as an epidemic around the world. The disease has proven exceptionally resistant to common forms of treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery). Mesothelioma has a very aggressive natural history with a median survival of around 9 months.

There has been an explosion in knowledge about mesothelioma in the past few years, partly stimulated by the formation of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group network. This book represents a state-of-the-art review of the disease, from laboratory through to the bedside, from diagnostic procedures through to treatment and from imaging and early detection through to medico-legal aspects. It will be of interest to any clinician or scientist with any involvement in asbestos-related diseases, as well as members of the legal profession and anyone with an interest in respiratory diseases.