mesothelioma
Pronunciation: mez-oh-thee-lee-OH-mah
A rare, aggressive malignancy arising from the mesothelial cells lining the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardium.
Full Definition
Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue covering most internal organs, called the mesothelium. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. This cancer is strongly associated with asbestos exposure and has a poor prognosis. In medical documentation, the term must be distinguished from other pleural malignancies and metastatic disease to the pleura. The diagnosis requires specialized pathological techniques including immunohistochemistry.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the anatomical location (pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial) when documented.
In Context
- "The patient's occupational history of shipyard work raised suspicion for pleural mesothelioma." — Clinical case report
- "Immunohistochemical staining confirmed the diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma." — Pathology report