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Malignant mesothelioma is a rare tumour that arises from the mesothelial surfaces of the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium, or the tunica vaginalis, with the pleura the most commonly affected site. By 2015, mesothelioma is expected to result in approximately 2,000 deaths per annum in the UK. In the US, there are approximately 3,000 cases of malignant mesothelioma diagnosed yearly. Mesothelioma historically carried a dismal prognosis but, with the advent of new treatment options and translational research, progress is being made. This article will address pleural mesothelioma.