A mesothelioma is a primary malignant
neoplasm of pleura.
Etiology
- It occurs in patients with prior exposure to asbestos.
- It has no correlation with cigarette smoking.
Pathology
Clinical Features
- Patients present with SOB, cough, weight loss and chest pain.
- Pleural effusion is a common mode of presentation.
- Chest CT reveals pleural effusion and characteristic encasing of lung with tumor
mass.
- Diagnosis is difficult with pleural fluid cytology and pleural biopsy.
- Special stains and an experienced Pathologist are often required for diagnosis.
- The tumor tends to grow along needle tracks. This is one reason to avoid repeated
thoracentesis.
Therapy
- No therapy has a proven benefit in prolonging life.
- Patients usually expire within 1-2 years.
- Extrapleural pneumonectomy is recommended by some centers.