Accuracy of Diagnostic Procedures in the Initial Evaluation and Follow-Up of Mesothelioma Patients

Abstract

The present study contains the review of 30 patients with malignant mesothelioma of the pleura, examined and treated at our institution. In an attempt to compare various methods of diagnosis in this entity, emphasis was laid on specific abilities and limitation of investigations such as pleural biopsy, pleural fluid cytology, diagnostic thoracoscopy and thoracotomy and radiological studies including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical management problems encountered in this neoplasm are also discussed.

Das Pleuramesotheliom ? Probleme in der Diagnostik und klinischer Verlauf bei 25 Patienten

“…Ffihrt bei klinischem Verdacht die Thoracoskopie zu keinem sicheren Resultat, z6-gern wir deshalb nicht, eine offene Pleurabiopsie vorzunehmen, die eine groBzfigige Gewebeentnahme unter guter Sicht erlaubt. Ein Einwachsen des Mesothelioms in die Incisionsnarbe [32] haben wir nicht beobachtet.…”

Pleural Effusion and Thoracocentesis.

“… Mesothelial cells are found in variable numbers in most effusions, but their presence at more than 5% of total nucleated cells makes a diagnosis of TB unlikely.  Markedly increased numbers of mesothelial cells, especially in bloody or eosinophilic effusions, suggests pulmonary embolism as the cause (28).  Culture of infected pleural fluid is positive in approximately 60% of cases, although less often for anaerobic organisms.…”