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Biopsy Techniques for the Diagnosis of Mesothelioma

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Malignant Mesothelioma

Part of the book series: Recent Results in Cancer Research ((RECENTCANCER,volume 189))

Abstract

The incidence of mesothelioma continues to increase in the Western world and is likely to do so until 2011–2015. It commonly presents with breathlessness secondary to a pleural effusion, and whilst guidelines still advise thoracocentesis as the first line investigation, the sensitivity of this is low and a tissue diagnosis is usually required. Abrams needle biopsy also has a low diagnostic yield and high complication rate and is not recommended in guidelines on the investigation of mesothelioma. Computed tomography–guided biopsy or thoracoscopy both have a comparable sensitivity and low complication rates. Local anaesthetic thoracoscopy is increasingly used by respiratory physicians and has a comparable diagnostic sensitivity to Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) without the need for a general anaesthetic. The requirement for prophylactic radiotherapy after pleural procedures in cases of mesothelioma is contentious, as the results from early trials suggesting it reduces tract seeding have been disputed by more recent trials.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. North Bristol Lung Centre, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK

    J. Walters

  2. Department of Clinical Sciences, Learning and Research Centre, Southmead Hospital, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS10 5NB, UK

    Nick A. Maskell

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  1. J. Walters
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  2. Nick A. Maskell
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Correspondence to Nick A. Maskell .

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  1. Institut für Pathologie, BG Kliniken Bergmannsheil, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, Bochum, 44789, Germany

    Andrea Tannapfel

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Walters, J., Maskell, N.A. (2011). Biopsy Techniques for the Diagnosis of Mesothelioma. In: Tannapfel, A. (eds) Malignant Mesothelioma. Recent Results in Cancer Research, vol 189. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-10862-4_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-10862-4_4

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