Nonpleural mesotheliomas: mesothelioma of the peritoneum, tunica vaginalis, and pericardium
Tuesday, December 6th, 2005.
Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America. 2005 Dec;19(6):1067-87. [Link]
Hassan R, Alexander R.
Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 37 Convent Drive, Room 5116, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
Abstract
Mesotheliomas are tumors that arise from the mesothelial cells of the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium, or tunica vaginalis. Although the number of new mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year in the United States seems to be leveling off or decreasing, several other countries are projected to have continued increased incidence of mesothelioma over the next several years. Of the approximately 2500 new cases of mesothelioma in the United States each year, most are pleural mesotheliomas. The peritoneum is the second most common site of mesothelioma development and accounts for approximately 10% to 20% of all mesotheliomas. Mesotheliomas that involve the pericardium or originate from the tunica vaginalis are rare tumors. Given the rarity of these tumors, it is difficult to obtain precise information regarding their incidence, natural history, and optimal management.
Glossary
- pleura
- (pler-uh) the membrane around the lungs and lining of the chest cavity. (Pleural mesothelioma.)
- oncology
- (on-call-o-jee) the branch of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
- cancer
- malignancy; a group of diseases typified by abnormal, generally out-of-control, cell growth.
- mesothelioma
- a tumor derived from mesothelial tissue, such as the peritoneum (lining the abdomen) or pleura (lining the lungs). More on mesothelioma.
- tunica vaginalis
- The serous sheath of the testis and epididymis, derived from the peritoneum; it consists of outer parietal and inner visceral serous layers.
