Mesothelioma Flashcards
1
Q
Mesothelioma
A
Malignant tumour of mesothelial cells (lining of the lung) that usually occurs in the pleura.
2
Q
Cause of mesothelioma
A
Occupational exposure to asbestos
3
Q
Symptoms
A
Chest pain, Dyspnoea, weight loss, recurrent pleural effusions.
4
Q
Signs
A
Finger clubbing, lymphadenopathy.
5
Q
Treatment
A
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, palliative care, pleurodese effusions.
6
Q
Investigations
A
CT, Thoracentesis, CXR, Pleural fluid aspiration, Biopsy
7
Q
CT
A
Signs of pleural thickening
8
Q
CXR
A
Pleural modularity, circumferential pleural thickening, local invasion, lung entrapment.
9
Q
Pleural Fluid Aspiration
A
Low cytological yield, avoid repeat aspiration.
10
Q
Thoracentesis
A
May show malignant cells.
