Mesothelioma Questions

Malignant mesothelioma is classified into the histologic subtypes of epithelial, sarcomatoid, and mixed variants. Grossly, the tumors arise as firm, gray plaques and nodules that coalesce into a sheet like structure.  Pleural mesothelioma typically arises in the lower chest, and early invasion into the diaphragm, chest wall, interlobar fissures and mediastinum are common.  Hematologic spread can cause metastasis to the liver, lung, bone, and adrenal glands.  Almost 80 percent of pleural mesothelioma cases are associated with documented exposure to asbestos, the commercial name for a group of  silicate minerals that are used in cement, insulation, tiles, brake linings, and shipbuilding.  Though the federal government has attempted to restrict exposure to these minerals since the 1970s, both occupational and non-occupational exposure to small amounts of asbestos can contribute to mesothelioma.  Asbestos workers have almost a 50 percent chance of dying from a malignancy, primarily lung carcinoma or mesothelioma.