Mesothelioma Flashcards
What is Mesothelioma
Pleura malignancy
What can cause Mesothelioma
Asbestos (Decades after exposure)
RF = Males 40-70
What are the presentations of Mesothelioma
Cancer Sx (Weight loss, Night pain…..)
SOB, Persistent cough, Pleuritic chest pain
Laryngeal nerve palsy
Bone pain if Mets
How is Mesothelioma investigated
CXR w/ CT = Thick pleura (+/Effusion)
CA-125 (Specific marker)
Biopsy = diagnostic
What is the first line investigation for mesothelioma
imaging of pleura (CXR and CT)
What is the diagnostic tool for mesothelioma
Biopsy
How is Mesothelioma managed
Palliative care as aggressive tumour
Early = Chemo/Radio
Why are mesotheliomas not likely to metastasise to other places
Confined to pleura which is not found anywhere else in the body
What marker is specific for mesothelioma
Ca 125
-SENSITIVE not specific
What is the gold standard investigation
Biopsy
