Mesothelioma Therapy Diagnosis and Biomarkers for Mesothelioma 2

Question 1

What is the gold standard method for confirming a diagnosis of mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Tissue biopsy with histopathological and immunohistochemical examination

Answer

Tissue biopsy with histopathological examination including a panel of immunohistochemical stains is the gold standard for definitive mesothelioma diagnosis.

Question 2

Which procedure provides the highest diagnostic yield for mesothelioma by allowing direct visualization of the pleural surface and collection of multiple large biopsies?

Accepted Answer

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)

Answer

VATS allows direct visualization of the entire pleural surface and collection of multiple large tissue samples, providing the highest diagnostic yield for mesothelioma.

Question 3

Why is pleural fluid cytology alone considered insufficient for a definitive mesothelioma diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Cytology has limited sensitivity and cannot reliably distinguish malignant mesothelioma from reactive mesothelial proliferation without immunohistochemistry on tissue

Answer

Pleural fluid cytology has low sensitivity for mesothelioma and lacks tissue architecture needed to reliably differentiate malignant mesothelioma from reactive mesothelial hyperplasia or metastatic adenocarcinoma.

Question 4

Which immunohistochemical markers are characteristically positive in epithelioid mesothelioma and help differentiate it from adenocarcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Calretinin and WT-1

Answer

Calretinin and WT-1 are characteristically positive in epithelioid mesothelioma, supporting mesothelial origin and distinguishing it from adenocarcinoma.

Question 5

What is the most common histological subtype of mesothelioma?

Accepted Answer

Epithelioid

Answer

Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common histological subtype, accounting for approximately 50-70% of all cases, and carries the most favorable prognosis.

Mesothelioma Therapy Practice Test

Mesothelioma Therapy Practice Test

Mesothelioma Therapy Diagnosis and Biomarkers for Mesothelioma 2