DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma should be considered in all patients with pleural effusion of unknown etiology, the degree of suspicion to be greatest in middle age, with persistent chest pain and history of exposure to asbestos.
Pleural fluid
In about half of cases are always looking serosanguineous meet criteria for exudate, with glucose levels below 50 mg / dL and pH less than 7.2 in one third of patients. Pleural cytology is usually predominantly lymphocytic but has problems in distinguishing reactive mesothelial cells from malignant mesothelioma and metastatic adenocarcinoma, so sensitivity is low. (more…)
