Mesothelioma Flashcards
1
Q
What is the leading cause of mesothelioma?
A
Asbestos exposure
2
Q
Where does mesothelioma occur?
A
In the pleura
3
Q
What are some of the presenting features of mesothelioma?
A
Chest pain Weight loss Fatigue Recurrent pleural effusions Finger clubbing Lymphadenopathy Shortness of breath May cause pneumothorax
Features due to mets- bone pain, hepatomegaly, focal neurological signs
4
Q
What does mesothelioma look like on CXR?
A
Plaque lesion on a CXR
5
Q
What investigations might be done for suspected mesothelioma?
A
CXR
CT/MRI- Pleural thickening
PET for metastatic disease
Biopsy of the tumour
If effusion a tap might be done which shows malignant cells and blood
6
Q
What is the management for mesothelioma?
A
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Symptomatic relief may come from draining the pleural effusions, in-dwelling catheter may be used.
It’s got a poor prognosis.
