Mesothelioma Flashcards
1
Q
What is mesothelioma?
A
A pleural tumour that is commonly associated with asbestos exposure
2
Q
Symptoms and signs of mesothelioma?
A
Symptoms
- Malignancy systemic symptoms e.g. weight loss
- Increasing SoB due to pleural effusion or circumferential pleural thickening
- Chest pain - dull + worse on inhalation
Signs
- Dullness on percussion may be caused by pleural effusion
3
Q
Diagnosis of mesothelioma?
A
CT-guided biopsy or thoracoscopy
4
Q
Prognosis of mesothelioma?
A
Poor
- median survival is 8-14 months after diagnosis
5
Q
Epidemiology of mesothelioma?
A
Shipyard workers, builders, plumbers, electricians, anyone who may be exposed to asbestos in their line of work are much more at risk of developing asbestos-related lung disease
