Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the mesothelium tissue lining and is usually caused by exposure to asbestos 20 to 50 years prior. John Doe, age 60, has a history of asbestos exposure and is being followed up for mesothelioma with a CT scan. The scan shows a lobulated pleural thickening in his right lung consistent with mesothelioma. There is no cure for mesothelioma and the prognosis is poor, but treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

1. Mesothelioma
By Lexy Heath
Cross-Sectional Anatomy

2. What is Mesothelioma
Cancer which affects the mesothelial tissue, associated with exposure to
asbestos. It takes 20 to 50 years after exposure before symptoms appear.
Can also affect the peritoneal cavity and the pericardial cavity.

3. Hometown Hospital
Outpatient Requisite
John Doe M #009876342
DOB: 11/09/55 60y 185lbs
xxx-xx-5498
No known allergies
Status: Normal
EXAM: Chest CT with contrast - 71260
Dx F/U mesothelioma
Ordering M.D.
Molly Blackwell M.D.
555-345-7612
00923451233

4. John Doe 11/09/55
100 Mulberry Lane
Chest Cat Scan with contrast
Dx F/U Mesothelioma
Molly Blackwell M.D.
9/01/2015
John Doe
3/1/2015

5. Patient’s Labs were drawn on
09/01/2015
BUN: 10 mg
Creatinine: 0.8 mg per dL
Patient has no known allergies
and does not have diabetes

6. Mesothelioma Normal CT

7. Mesothelioma Normal CT

8. Mesothelioma Normal CT

9. Hometown Hospital
Radiology Report
John Doe
#009876342
DOB:11/09/1955
Order Date: 09/05/2015
Order By: Molly Blackwell M.D.
Techniques: CT exam of the chest was performed with contrast
50ml of Omni 300, the IV was antecubital, the gauge of the IV
was 20. The patient had persistent chest pain and shortness of
breath.
Findings: Helpful in staging follow-up. Contrast-enhanced CT
used to assess tumor response to Chemotherapy. The calcified
pleural plaque indicates prior asbestosis exposure.
Etiology: History of inhaling asbestos particles.
Epidemiology: About 70% to 80% of all cases involve a history
of asbestos exposure.
Impression: The lobulated pleural thickening in evident in the
right lung. Pleural effusion is minimal. Follow up pet scan to
confirm need for chemotherapy.
Reported by Elizabeth Yang M.D.
09/05/2015 at 2:45pm
Other Sign & Symptoms include:
Dry Cough
Fluid build-up
Difficulty swallowing
Fatigue
Pain near tumor
Weight loss
Bowel obstruction

10. Mesothelioma is the only major primary malignancy of the mesothelium of the pleural space.

11. Prognosis & Treatment
There is no cure for Mesothelioma and the prognosis is poor.
However treatment plans include:
Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy

12. Work Cited
1. Case courtesy of Dr Frank Gaillard, <a href="http://radiopaedia.org/">Radiopaedia.org</a>. From the case <a
href="http://radiopaedia.org/cases/8539">rID: 8539</a>
2. Case courtesy of Dr Ahmed Abd Rabou, <a href="http://radiopaedia.org/">Radiopaedia.org</a>. From the
case <a href="http://radiopaedia.org/cases/22607">rID: 22607</a>
3. http://radiopaedia.org/articles/mesothelioma
4. Case courtesy of Dr Frank Gaillard, <a href="http://radiopaedia.org/">Radiopaedia.org</a>. From the case <a
href="http://radiopaedia.org/cases/8699">rID: 8699</a>
5. www.asbestos.com
6.