Pleural disease Flashcards
1
Q
Definition of malignant mesothelioma
A
Malignancy to the pleura- malignant cells
2
Q
Aetiology of malignant mesothelioma
A
80% of cases related to Asbestos
3
Q
Asbestos:
- types
- properties
A
High fibrous mineral found in 3 forms
- Chrysotile -white- most common
- Amosite -brown
- Crocidolite -blue- most dangerous
Properties:
- fire resistant
- high Tensile strength
- resistant to chemical attack
- resistant to electrical change
4
Q
Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma
A
Breathlessness
Chest pain
5
Q
Radiology finds of malignant mesothelioma
A
unilateral usually
pleural thickening
6
Q
Pleural fibrosis
A
Thickening of the pleura and hardening due to inflammation or exposure to asbestos
Sometimes have difficulty breathing
7
Q
Pleural plaques
A
calcification the outer layers of the lungs- mainly parietal but also visceral/diaphragm
appear about 20-40 years after exposure to asbestos
benign
no symptoms except pain sometimes
