 |
|
|
|
Tumours of the
Pleura |
Back to Library |
The most common tumour of the pleura is
metastatic carcinoma.
Metastatic tumours are the most common cause of neoplasm in
the pleura.
The most frequent primary sites are lung and breast,
causing pleural effusion.
Metastasis to the pleura is usually associated with a high-protein
exudate. Diagnosis can be made by cytology of aspirated fluid
or by needle biopsy of the pleura.
Primary neoplasms of the pleura are rare except after exposure
to asbestos, when tumours termed 'malignant mesotheliomas'
develop. After exposure, there may be a latent period of up to
50 years before development of the tumour.
Patients have chest pain and breathlessness, and there is commonly
a pleural effusion. Diagnosis is made on pleural biopsy.
Histologically, mesotheliomas have spindle cells and glandular patterns.
These are highly malignant tumours that spread around the
pleural cavity and pericardium, encasing the lung and
mediastinal structures. Death is usual
within ten months of diagnosis, and metastasis is rare.
Exposure to asbestos also causes development of benign collagenous
thickenings of the pleura, termed pleural plaques.
Mesothelioma is seen as a thick sheet of white tumour,
which encases the whole of the lung. |
|
|
Interested in translating health topics to somali language! |
|
|
|
|
We give here simplified and accurate information about the disease
Info@somalidoc.com |
DISCLAIMER: This website is provided for
general information and it's run by medical students for medical students only
and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. We are not responsible
or liable for any diagnosis or action made by a user based on the content of
this website. We are not liable for the contents of any external websites
listed, nor do we endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised
on any of the sites. Always consult your own doctor if you are in any way
concerned about your health |
