ASBESTOS EXPOSURE AND SARCOMATOID MALIGNANT PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is commonly associated with documented asbestos exposure. The mean interval between exposure and death is around 40 years. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is the least common form of MPM. It is more aggressive and associated with worst prognosis. Adequate sampling is important for accurate diagnosis. Both VATS and image guided core needle biopsy have higher diagnostic yield compared to the closed pleural biopsy. IHC markers are used as an adjunct to tumour histopathology. The primary treatment options for sarcomatoid type are surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Median survival for patients with sarcomatoid tumours is typically less than six months. Patients in whom the diagnosis is made early have a survival benefit from multimodality therapeutic approach.