Intrathoracic malignancy

Question 1

What is malignant mesothelioma?

Answer 1

Arises from the epithelial cell layer (mesothelium) lining the pleural cavity
- Diffuse(arise from huge area)/multifocal (arise from a few areas at once) therefore curative resection is not possible

Question 2

What are the majority of cases of malignant mesothelioma associated with?

Answer 2

80% associated with previous exposure to asbestos

Question 3

What is more importance, cumulative dose or duration of exposure to asbestos?

Answer 3

Cumulative dose

Question 4

Clinical features of malignant mesothelioma

Answer 4

Present with chest pain and pleural effusion
- Invades lung directly with metastatic spread to hilar lymph nodes and, eventually, distant organs - whereas lung cancer spreads earlier

Question 5

Risk factors for malignant mesothelioma

Answer 5

• M>F

- Occupational exposure