Etymed
mesothelioma
Definition
A malignant tumor arising from the mesothelium, the protective lining that covers the lungs, chest wall, and abdomen
Clinical context
A 65-year-old construction worker presents with progressive dyspnea and chest pain. He has a 40-pack-year smoking history and worked in asbestos exposure for 20 years. Chest X-ray shows pleural thickening and pleural effusion. Biopsy of the pleural tissue reveals malignant mesothelial cells. His prognosis is poor with only 6 months survival without treatment.
Mnemonic
MESO = Mesothelium, asbestos exposure, pleural malignancy