Macroscopic, Histologic, Histochemical, Immunohistochemical, and Ultrastructural Features of Mesothelioma

Ultrastructural Pathology. 2006 Jan-Feb;30(1):3-17. [Link]

Hammar SP.

Diagnostic Specialties Laboratories, Bremerton, Washington, USA.

Abstract

Mesotheliomas are uncommon neoplasms that arise from the cells forming the serosal membranes of the body cavities. Approximately 90–95% of mesotheliomas arise in the pleural cavity and 5–10% in the peritoneal cavity. Rare mesotheliomas arise in the pericardium and in the tunica vaginalis. Unlike many neoplasms, mesotheliomas grow in a diffuse distribution and tend to encase the organs in the various body cavities. A combination of histochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features are often necessary to accurately diagnose mesotheliomas. These techniques are highlighted in this review article on mesothelioma.

Keywords: electron microscopic, histochemical, histologic, immunohistochemical, macroscopic, mesothelioma