Respiratory · UKMLA & AKT
Mesothelioma
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise mesothelioma — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
Key high-yield points
- Rare malignancy of mesothelial cells - almost always pleural; peritoneum ~20%
- Asbestos exposure accounts for ~80-90% of cases
- Latent period 20-45 years between exposure and disease
- Can develop after minimal exposure - no safe threshold (unlike asbestosis, whose severity correlates with cumulative dose)
- Crocidolite (blue) asbestos is the most dangerous form
Pleural plaques are NOT premalignant and do NOT increase the risk of mesothelioma or lung cancer - they simply confirm asbestos exposure. A favourite exam distractor.
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