mesothelioma Flashcards

1
Q

What is a mesothelioma?

A

Malignant tumour
caused by asbestos fibre inhalation
that reaches the pleura
causing inflammation
provoking tumour formation

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2
Q

What are the 6 presentations of mesothelioma?

A

Asbestos exposure
dyspnoea
weight loss
chess pain
finger clubbing and plural effusion signs
20-40 years latency period

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3
Q

What investigations are used?

A

Chest x-ray

pleural aspirate
- 25% is positive, sent to cytology

CT thorax
- shows lesion + pleural thickening

biopsy
- for histology confirmation if aspirate cytology is negative

PET/CT
- for distant metastasis

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3
Q

What treatment is used for mesothelioma?

A
  • Chemotherapy
  • pleurodesis
  • discuss compensation schemes if occupational deleted
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