Pathophysiology of Mesothelioma

The pathophysiolgy of Mesothelioma indicates a deposit of asbestos fibers in the parenchyma of the lungs where they have been carried to the pleural surface through penetration of the visceral pleura.  There the fibers resulted in the development of mesothelial plaques.  It is hypothesized that that the fibers can be transported from the lungs by the lymphatic system to other organs causing peritoneal Mesothelioma to develop.  Asbestos fibers may be deposited in the stomach and intestines from swallowing of the fibers.

It has been shown that asbestos fibers induce carcinogenesis.  Inodulated phosphorylated chrysotile fibers have induced malignant Mesothelioma development in rats.  Fibers in the pleura and peritoneal cavities of rats show the attraction of significant numbers microphages of the immune system to the resulting legions and eventual morphation of the legions to malignant tumors.  In humans the fibers need to move to the pleura in order for pathogenesis of malignant Mesothelioma.

It is suspected that asbestos fibers act as a carcinogen transforming normal mesothelial cells into malignant cells.  The interaction of the fibers with the mesothelial cells and with inflammatory cells such as macrophages result in the carcinogenic effects of the fibers.

Longer asbestos fibers have been associated in a higher incidence of Mesothelioma in studies with mice.  Experiments have shown that longer fibers are able to penetrate DNA and adhere to chromosomes creating complex abnormalities in the DNA.  Other experiments have shown that asbestos fibers have immunosupressive characteristics.

Pathophysiology of Mesothelioma News
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