A neoplasm that arises from the mesothelial cells of the pleura. The primary cause is exposure to asbestos. The major histologic variants are the epithelioid malignant mesothelioma, desmoplastic malignant mesothelioma, and sarcomatoid malignant mesothelioma. Patients present with persistent cough and shortness of breath. The disease is Monarch Disease Ontology id MONDO_0003308 (pleural mesothelioma). Also known as: mesothelioma of pleura, mesothelioma of the pleura, pleura mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma (disease).