Give An Overview Of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a malignant neoplasm that arises from the mesothelial surfaces of the pleural cavities, peritoneal cavities, tunica vaginalis, or pericardium. Approximately eighty percent of all cases arise from the pleural mesothelium. This neoplasm is relatively rare; fewer than 3000 cases are reported per year in the United States. The majority of pleural mesothelioma cases are associated with documented asbestos exposure. Patients with pleural mesothelioma commonly present with pleuritic and non-pleuritic chest pain, dyspnea, fatigue, and weight loss. Occasionally, however, patients are asymptomatic and pleural effusion is found incidentally on physical exam or through radiographic findings. Cytologic examination of pleural fluid is typically non-diagnostic. Thorascopically guided biopsy, which should be performed if mesothelioma is suspected, provides a more accurate histologic diagnosis. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, trimodality therapy and investigative gene therapy. The prognosis for mesothelioma is extremely poor, with a median survival rate of 11 months.
