pleural disease

[lantra]

I am a 49 year old generally healthy male. I had suffered chest pain for 12 months and after xray, ultrasound, CT and numerous blood tests by GP was sent to a respiratory specialist. More tests, 60% lung capacity (left side) pleural effusion, pleural drain, bronchoscopy, - all tests negative. Sent to thoracic surgeon.  Thoracoscopy with biopsies, pleural thickening detected. tissue and fluid tests all negative. Mesothelioma seemed likely, however all tests negative. No malignancy detected. Pleurectomy performed. Pleura thickened and damaged.  Extensive tests still showed no diagnosis. Have been tested for mesothelioma many times.  All negative.  Doctors are stumped. Still severe chest pain and pleural effusion.  No change there, if anything, worse.  On morphine for pain.  If not mesothelioma - then what might it be???  Non smoker for past 8 years.  Cannot remember any exposure to asbestos. Last xray showed remaining pleura also thickened. Still fluid present.  Please help. No other symptoms. Some minor weight loss last 3-4 months. Otherwise well.

[Sunny602]

I am sorry that this is happening to you and that you are without answers. I know how frustrating this is! From what I remember, pleural thickening with effusion has many causes from congestive heart failure, liver/kidney disease, infections (TB and bacterial), mesothelioma, and collagen vascular diseases (lupus, RA)...You said that your doc did alot of blood tests, did he or she test for RA, Lupus etc..? If not, then that would be something to look into....I wish I had more thoughts but I am at a block. I hope you find answers soon..Sunny