Surgical treatment of asbestos-related disease of the chest.

Abstract

Thoracic surgeons are asked to evaluate various diseases related to asbestos, including benign pleural plaques, malignant mesothelioma, and lung cancer. The benign localized mesothelioma is usually considered in the differential diagnosis of pleural tumors, but it is not related to asbestos exposure. Benign pleural plaques can be diagnosed by history and radiologic studies, and surgery offers no therapeutic benefit. Diffuse malignant mesothelioma is currently an incurable tumor, but pleurectomy can afford some palliation. Extrapleural pneumonectomy can be accomplished with an acceptable mortality, but long-term results do not justify its routine use. Lung cancer in those exposed to asbestos fibers is treated no differently than when it occurs in the general population.

• Authors: L P Faber
• Journal: The Surgical clinics of North America (Surg Clin North Am) Vol. 68 Issue 3 Pg. 525-43 (Jun 1988) ISSN: 0039-6109 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3375957 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Asbestos

Topics

• Asbestos (adverse effects)
• Humans
• Lung Diseases (diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery)
• Lung Neoplasms (diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery, therapy)
• Mesothelioma (diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery, therapy)
• Methods
• Pleural Diseases (diagnostic imaging, etiology, therapy)
• Radiography