Respiratory · UKMLA & AKT
Mesothelioma
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
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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