mesothelioma Flashcards
what is mesothelioma
aggressive tumour of the mesothelium
where does mesothelioma arise from
90% are from the pleura
how does mesothelioma present
often with pleural effusion - progressive dyspnoea and stony dull percussion
chest pain
weight loss
what investigations are used in suspected mesothelioma
CXR
CT
histological: biopsy and aspiration of pleural fluid
what could be found on a CXR in mesothelioma
pleural effusion
may show pleural thickening - indicates asbestos exposure
‘pleural mass with a lobulated margin’
what could be found on a CT for mesothelioma
pleural mass
CT can be used for staging of the disease
how is a biopsy taken for mesothelioma
by thoracoscopy
what can be found upon histological examination of the pleural fluid in mesothelioma
lymphocytes and low glucose which are indicators of malignancy
what is the management used in mesothelioma
only palliative - excision is not possible
TALC - sclerosing agent
long term pleural catheter
what is the life expectancy in mesothelioma
12 months post diagnosis
