The Medical Journal of Basra University 2002
Abstract:
Mesotheliomas are rare tumours. While the benign type is curable by surgery, the malignant forms are difficult to diagnose and treat with a bad prognosis even with modern multimodality treatment. Herein we report four cases of mesothelioma in Iraqi housewives (3 pleural and one pericardial). The diagnosis and treatment of these cases are discussed with review of literature. The primary pericardial mesothelioma has presented as cardiac tamponade. Such presentation was reported only once before in the literature. The three cases of pleural mesotheliomas represented all types i.e., the localized benign, localized malignant and the diffuse malignant. Although exposure to asbestos is reported in 72 -95% of the malignant varieties; none of our patients had such an exposure.