Which type of cancer is associated with the visceral or parietal pleura?

Malignant mesothelioma is a specific type of cancer that is primarily linked to the pleura, which is the membrane surrounding the lungs. This cancer arises from the mesothelial cells lining the pleural space and is most commonly associated with asbestos exposure. It primarily affects the visceral and parietal pleura, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, pleural effusion, and respiratory difficulty.

In contrast, conditions such as adenocarcinoma, small cell lung carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma typically originate from lung tissues rather than the pleura itself, even though they may involve the pleura in advanced stages of disease. However, the defining characteristic of malignant mesothelioma is its direct association with the mesothelial layers of the pleura. This distinction highlights why malignant mesothelioma is the correct response when considering cancers specifically associated with the pleural membranes.