Mesothelioma as a risk indicator of asbestos exposure: the role of the pathologist.
Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon tumour, which has become an important epidemiological marker for exposure to asbestos. This tumour is characterised by a wide range of microscopic features which may be classified in three histologic patterns: epithelial, mesenchimal and mixed or biphasic. Histochemical staining is often necessary to distinguish mesothelioma from carcinoma. As regards immunohistochemistry, only the use of a combination of antibodies significantly decreases the risk of false-negative results. Analytic electron microscopy techniques may also be useful, permitting the evaluation of the cumulative fiber burden in the target organ.
Zampi
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Institute of Pathological Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Italy.
Comin
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CE
Dini
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D001195:Asbestosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D015415:Biomarkers; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010994:Pleura / Q000473:pathology; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D012307:Risk Factors
D015415:Biomarkers