Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon tumor arising from the mesothelial cells of pleura. This tumor can be found on pleura, pericardium or peritoneum. It is very often caused by asbestos exposure.

Pathology
The mesothelioma can be macroscopically:
 * diffuse mesothelioma;
 * localized mesothelioma.

Microscopically it can be:
 * epithelial mesothelioma – contents mostly epithelial (cellular) component;
 * fibrous mesothelioma – contents mostly fibrous spindle cell–like component;
 * mixed mesothelioma – contents both of these components.

Epidemiology
Mesothelioma is uncommon. The incidence is 2,000-3,000 new cases every year in United States (compared with lung cancer: 222,000 new cases per year in USA). Up to 80% patients suffering from the mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos at work. Average survival time is only about one year.

Patient history
Mesothelioma can be occupational disease, because it is asbestos related disease.
 * Asbestos exposure: workers in the manufacture of asbestos products, asbestos miners and millers, construction traders, power plant workers, boilermakers, shipyard workers, firefighters, even teachers and veterans.
 * Often cigarette smokers.

Mesothelioma is a late consequence of asbestos exposure. Can be found even more than 50 years after exposure!

Symptoms

 * Major symptoms are chest pain and shortness of breath.
 * Other symptoms could be persistent cough, anemia, weight loss, fever, abdominal pain and swelling.

Diagnostic

 * physical examination, lung function tests;
 * X–ray;
 * CT or MRI;
 * thoracoscopy and pleural biopsy;
 * definitive diagnosis is based on microscopical examination of the biopsy by pathologist!

Treatment
The options are surgical resection of tumor or chemotherapy or radiation, or their combination. Unfortunately the mesothelioma is diagnosed in an advanced stage, which causes only one year average survival time. The treatment depends on patient's overall health (if the mesothelioma can be found 50 years after asbestos exposure at work, you can expect advanced age of the patient...).

Related articles

 * Asbestos
 * Asbestosis