The dense white encircling tumor mass is arising from the visceral pleura and is a mesothelioma. These are big bulky tumors that can fill the chest cavity. The risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestosis more commonly predisposes to bronchogenic carcinomas, increasing the risk by a factor of five. Smoking increases the risk for lung cancer by a factor of ten. Thus, smokers with a history of asbestos exposure have a risk 50 fold greater likelihood of for developing bronchogenic lung cancer.

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