Pleural Neoplasia
 |
This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing. |
|
Primary tumours
- Rare
- May arise from chest wall and mediastinum
Mesothelioma
- Has been found in cat, dog, cow, goat and horse
- Arise from pericardial, pleural and peritoneal surfaces
- May be related to inhalation of asbestos
- Grossly:
- Multiple discrete nodules
- Microscopically:
- Can appear as a carcinoma or fibrosarcoma depending on which tissue, covering or supporting, is predominant in the neoplasm
- Rarely metastasise but are considered malignant
Secondary tumours
- Also rare
- May arise from transpleural dissemination of pulmonary tumours (carcinomas and sarcomas)
- Carcinomas from abdominal cavity may penetrate through diphragmatic lymphatics