MESOTHELIOMA - A STUDY OF 22 CASES

Mesothelioma is a rare, asbestos-associated tumor that infrequently me tastasizes. We reviewed 22 autopsies (from February 1989 through July 1994) showing mesothelioma. We determined distribution of metastases a nd staining characteristics of primary mesotheliomas compared to tissu e involved by metastases and/or direct extension. Mean patient age was 68 years (range, 38 to 88 years); black:white patient ratio, 4:18; an d male:female patient ratio, 2:1. All patients had a history of asbest os exposure. Fifteen autopsies were complete and 7 were limited to the thoracic cavity. Multiple sites were involved by direct extension. Me tastases were in multiple sites, including omentum, stomach, intestine , mesentery, adrenal glands, ovary, pancreas, kidneys, liver, spleen, and vertebrae. Results of immunohistochemical staining of primary meso theliomas and metastases were similar; both were positive for low-mole cular-weight keratin and negative for carcinoembryonic antigen, Leu-Mi , Ber-EP4, and periodic acid-Schiff reagent with diastase. Results of testing for high-molecular-weight keratin were variable.