A survey of opinions and beliefs concerning surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma amongst 802 members of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS), the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS)

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) incidence continues to rise in Europe [1]. The UK has one of the highest national incidences in the world, due to peak between 2011 and 2015 [2] and Western Australia is believed to have the highest regional incidence [3]. There is likely to be an increasing incidence of this disease in countries where asbestos use continues and where its use is not well-regulated [4]. There is an important role for thoracic surgeons in helping to provide a prompt and reliable diagnosis and in palliation of pleural fluid so surgeons will continue to be involved in the care of these patients, but the benefits of various forms of extirpative surgery are contentious and as yet unresolved.