Mesothelioma in Situ: The Key to Early Detection and Curative Strategies

Mesothelioma in Situ: The Key to Early Detection and Curative Strategies

ByHolly Zink

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the pleura, the thin lining surrounding the lungs. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, with symptoms often not appearing until decades after exposure. It is aggressive and has a poor prognosis. Finding it early is crucial. This improves patient outcomes. In recent years, interest in finding early precancerous mesothelioma, including mesothelioma in situ, has grown. This early stage of the disease is a chance. It’s a chance to improve how we diagnose it and how we treat it in many ways. Diagnosing pleural mesothelioma at the in-situ phase means finding the disease before it has spread. This may lead to curative treatment options. Challenges and Opportunities in…

New Mesothelioma Subtype Called Mesothelioma in Situ
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New Mesothelioma Subtype Called Mesothelioma in Situ

ByHolly Zink

The 2015 WHO classification of pleural mesothelioma included three histological subtypes. The new fourth mesothelioma subtype is called mesothelioma in situ. It is a very early form of mesothelioma. Previous studies suggest that it may be a precursor to invasive mesothelioma. If patients know they have it, they may have years to try to keep mesothelioma from developing. Pathologists can tell the difference between the subtypes by looking at the cells under a microscope. Each subtype has a slightly different cell shape, growth pattern, and nuclear characteristics. Four Subtypes of Mesothelioma Pleural mesothelioma is a very rare type of cancer. Only about 2,500 people in the US receive a mesothelioma diagnosis every year. Asbestos inhalation is the primary cause of pleural mesothelioma. Most people with pleural…

WHO to Recognize Fourth Mesothelioma Subtype
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WHO to Recognize Fourth Mesothelioma Subtype

ByAlex Strauss

The World Health Organization will soon recognize mesothelioma in situ as a fourth mesothelioma subtype.  The 2015 WHO classification of pleural mesothelioma includes three histological subtypes. Pathologists can tell the difference between the subtypes by looking at the cells under a microscope. Each subtype has a slightly different cell shape, growth pattern, and nuclear characteristics.  The proposed fourth mesothelioma subtype is a very early form of mesothelioma. Previous studies suggest that it may be a precursor to invasive mesothelioma. If patients know they have it, they may have years to try to keep mesothelioma from developing. Differences Between the Subtypes Pleural mesothelioma is a very rare type of cancer. Only about 2,500 people in the US receive a mesothelioma diagnosis…

Recurrent Pleural Effusion Could Signal High Mesothelioma Risk
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Recurrent Pleural Effusion Could Signal High Mesothelioma Risk

ByAlex Strauss

The case of a Japanese woman with recurrent pleural effusion suggests the problem could be a precursor of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Pleural effusion is a build-up of fluid on the space between the layers of the membrane that surrounds the lungs. It is common with mesothelioma and some other cancers.  In the new case study, the patient had recurrent pleural effusion for 15 years before she developed mesothelioma in situ. This is the earliest stage of asbestos cancer, before it becomes invasive. Her doctors say patients with similar problems should be tested for BAP1 loss and other signs of mesothelioma in situ.  Understanding Recurrent Pleural Effusion Pleural effusion is a side effect of several conditions including heart disease and cancer….