Mesothelioma Flashcards
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malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive epithelial neoplasm arising in the lung, abdomen, pericardium or tunica vaginalis
what is the cause of mesothelioma
asbestos
epi
elderly
men>women
aetiology
exposure to asbestos
what is the worst type of asbestos
iron-containing crocidolite
pathogenesis
asbestos fibres causes recruitment and activation of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils
with generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species
chronic inflammation and oxidative stress causes DNA damage
what neurological condition is associated with mesothelioma
neurofibromatosis type 2
how are mesotheliomas classified
anatomical variants
- pleural (most common)
- peritoneal
- pericardial
- testicular
risk factors
asbestos exposure
elderly
what are the different types of asbestos
white asbestos blue asbestos (crocidolite)
what are features of mesothelioma
FHx of mesothelioma
Hx of asbestos exposure
elderly male
SOB, cough
chest pain
quiet breath sounds
dullness to percussion
FLAWs
why might SOB, diminished breath sounds and dullness to percussion occur
mesothelioma causes pleural effusion
what sort of cough is associated with mesothelioma
dry
what is the first line investigation for mesothelioma
CXR
-unilateral pleural effusion with irregular pleural thickening
what is the gold standard investigation for mesothelioma
chest CT
- pleural thickening
- pleural plaques
