Pérez AJJ, Nicolau DOD, Morales EG

Language: Spanish
References: 0
Page: 36-42
PDF size: 116.36 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: mesothelioma is a rare tumor characterized by the invasion of the mesothelium by malignant cells. It is more common in men than in women. In 80 % of cases, its appearance is related to exposure to amianthus or asbestos fibers.
Objective: to present a case of malignant mesothelioma with severe generalized osteolysis, of interest due to its low frequency in Cuba, its scarce statistical report and the unique clinical characteristics of this patient.
Case presentation: male patient, white, 54 years old, smoker and alcoholic. He came to consultation for cough, yellowish expectoration with blood and stabbing pain, not very intense, in the posteroinferior region of the left hemithorax, pain in the cervical spine, ribs and limbs, marked decay, reduced appetite and weight loss. Physical examination revealed palpation pain and mobilization of the extremities, submaturity and dry respiratory sounds located in the lower left posterolateral region of the thorax. The radiographic study showed a defined radiopaque image that interested the left parietal pleura and osteolytic images in the skull, pelvis and long bones. Through lung computerized tomography (simple and contrasted) and histological studies confirmed the diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma with severe generalized osteolysis.
Conclusions: given the clinical and imaging characteristics of the case presented, it is necessary to deepen the study of this disease that, due to its infrequent presentation and its polymorphism, requires the correct application of the clinical method to be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.