Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma. Pleural (pleura is the thin lining or coverings of lungs) mesothelioma generally occurs to individuals exposed to high level of asbestos. Exposure to high level of asbestos for 10 or more years is generally required for pleural mesothelioma to develop. Pleural mesothelioma may occur, like other forms of mesothelioma, even decades (sometimes as late as 30 years after last exposure to asbestos) after last exposure to asbestos.

Pleural mesothelioma may start as simple pleural disease such as calcification of pleura or thickening of pleural lining and it is not uncommon to diagnose them as pleural calcification, pleural thickening or pleural plaques. As these pleural diseases are not fatal disease, they may be ignored and later on these pleural diseases may lead to development of pleural mesothelioma. Pleural diseases may not be fatal but they impair normal functioning of lungs and should be addressed appropriately. If a patient with pleural disease gives a history of asbestos exposure even only for a brief period the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma should be considered.