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Published on: December 21, 2019
[Malignant mesothelioma: clinical and radiological description of 45 cases with and without asbestos exposure]
M P García-López1, R Barrera-Rodríguez
1Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Secretaría de Salud, México.
Objective:
Our aim was to identify and describe the main symptoms, clinical presentation, and radiographic changes in malignant mesothelioma (MM) patients.
Material And Methods:
We reviewed the medical and X-ray records of all patients diagnosed with MM, admitted between 1991 and 1998 to the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER), which is a governmental institution specialized in chest disease in Mexico City. The following data were collected: Age, occupation, asbestos exposure, latency, family history of cancer, clinical symptoms, and X-ray changes. Data are presented as percentages by sex and age group.
Results:
We found 45 cases of MM; in 80% of them a history of asbestos exposure could not be documented. The 51-60 years age group had the highest frequency of MM. Dispnea and chest pain were the presenting symptoms in most patients. Pleural effusion and pleural thickening were the X-ray abnormalities observed in 75% of the patients.
Conclusions:
The clinical and radiographic findings among patients with MM without asbestos exposure were similar to those with a history of asbestos exposure.
Insights
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) often presents with shortness of breath and chest pain, and shows pleural effusion or thickening on X-rays, even without documented asbestos exposure.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a serious cancer.
- Asbestos exposure is a known risk factor for MM.
- Understanding MM presentation is crucial for early diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe the main symptoms of malignant mesothelioma.
- To detail the clinical presentation of MM patients.
- To characterize radiographic changes associated with MM.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical and X-ray records of 45 MM patients.
- Data collected: age, occupation, asbestos exposure, latency, family history, symptoms, X-ray findings.
- Analysis of data by sex and age group.
Main Results:
- 80% of MM cases lacked documented asbestos exposure.
- Highest MM frequency observed in the 51-60 years age group.
- Dyspnea and chest pain were the most common symptoms; pleural effusion and thickening were frequent radiographic findings.
Conclusions:
- Clinical and radiographic findings in MM patients without documented asbestos exposure were similar to those with a history of exposure.
- This suggests potential for MM diagnosis even when asbestos history is unclear.
