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Abstract:
11 cases of malignant mesothelioma (0.153%) were among 7184 autopsies in Tambov Bureau of Pathology from 1978 to 1987. There were 4 cases of pleural mesothelioma (0.055%), 5 cases of pericardial mesothelioma (0.069%), one case of peritoneal mesothelioma and one case of a simultaneous involvement of the peritoneum, pleura and pericardium. Two cases of malignant epithelioid mesothelioma of the pericardium are described, which characterized by a diffuse growth along both surfaces of the pericardium with the accumulation in its cavity of two litres of hemorrhagic liquid. In the case of a 50-year-old man who had a contact with asbestos the tumour grew into the coronary artery resulting in clinical symptoms and morphology of the myocardial infarction. Metastases were found in the anterior mediastinal lymph nodes only. In the second case-that of a 48-year-old women--there were metastases in the regional lymph nodes, pleura, the lung and liver.
Insights
Malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer, was found in 0.153% of 7184 autopsies. This study details 11 cases, including rare pericardial and peritoneal mesothelioma diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer.
- Autopsy studies provide valuable data on disease incidence and presentation.
Observation:
- Eleven cases of malignant mesothelioma were identified in 7184 autopsies (0.153%) between 1978-1987.
- Specific subtypes included pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Two detailed cases of malignant epithelioid mesothelioma of the pericardium were presented.
Findings:
- One case involved asbestos exposure and myocardial infarction due to tumor invasion.
- Metastatic patterns varied, including mediastinal lymph nodes, pleura, lung, and liver.
- Pericardial mesothelioma cases presented with significant hemorrhagic effusion.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of autopsy in identifying rare malignancies.
- Contributes to understanding the diverse clinical and pathological presentations of mesothelioma.
- Underscores the potential for mesothelioma to affect multiple serous membranes and metastasize widely.