Mesothelioma: a soon to be forgotten disease in the United States?

December 5, 2012

Journal of Bronchology & Interventional Pulmonology.. 2012 Jul;19(3):258-61. doi: 10.1097/LBR.0b013e31825f1aba. [Link]

Thomas D, Geck R, Rozas D, Muro-Cacho C, Rumbak M.

Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and SleepMedicine, Department of Interventional Pulmonology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer that commonly presents with a large unilateral bloody pleural effusion long after asbestos exposure. Its prevalence is decreasing with the decreasing exposure to asbestos in the United States. We present a patient with malignant pleural mesothelioma who underwent evaluation and treatment during medical thoracoscopy. The thoracoscopic evaluation revealed multiple, varied, and severe but characteristic findings of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Medical thoracoscopy is the procedure of choice for the diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma.

Posted in Case Study, Diagnosis & Differentiation, Full Archive, Pleural Catheters, Symptoms & Symptom Management, thoracoscopy, Type of Assessment: