Describe The Clinical Presentation Of Both Pleural And Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma typically presents insidiously with symptoms of pleural effusion, including dyspnea and chest pain. Weight loss is common. Physical exam will yield diminished breath sounds and dullness to percussion. A history of asbestos exposure occurs in 60-80% of those with malignant mesothelioma with symptoms presenting 20-50 years after exposure. The average age at symptom onset is 60 years old. Occupational exposure occurs with the mining and manufacturing of asbestos and its products or with direct handling of these products (insulation, textiles, paint, brake linings, gaskets, etc.). Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of other abdominal cancers and include abdominal pain, ascites, or bowel obstruction. Additionally, fever and anemia are seen. Pulmonary asbestosis is seen in over half of all cases. Occasionally, peritoneal mesothelioma presents with lymphadenopathy or, in women, a pelvic mass.
