IPLab:Lab 12:Thoracic Mesothelioma

Images

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  This is a gross photograph of the lungs removed at autopsy. There is thickening of the pleural surface due to the tumor (arrows). The apical portion of the left lobe of the lung was ripped while trying to sever the adhesions between the lung and the chest wall.
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  This is a gross photograph of cut sections of the lungs. The right lung is congested. The left lung is shrunken and filled with tumor. There is a thick layer of tumor along the inferior portion of the lung (arrow).
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  This is a gross photograph of the thoracic surface of the diaphragm demonstrating the distinctive fibrocalcific plaque (arrows) produced by mesothelioma and multiple smaller plaques over the pleural surface of the diaphragm.
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  This is a low-power photomicrograph of a section of the left lung. At this magnification you can see areas of consolidation (arrows), especially around blood vessels.
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  This higher-power photomicrograph of left lung shows areas of consolidation and fibrosis (arrows). Also note that in many of these areas there are clusters of blue cells.
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  In this higher-power photomicrograph the clusters of tumor cells (arrows) can be appreciated.
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  In this higher-power photomicrograph there is a blood vessel (1) and adjacent lymphatics that contain tumor cells (2). There are also accumulations of brown material adjacent to these vessels.
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  This high-power photomicrograph shows brown asbestos bodies (1), accumulations of anthracotic pigment (2), and tumor cells (3) all adjacent to a blood vessel (4).
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  This is a high-power photomicrograph of the brown asbestos bodies showing the characteristic beaded appearance (arrows).
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  Another high-power photomicrograph of the brown asbestos bodies showing the characteristic beaded appearance (arrows). Tumor cells are evident adjacent to the asbestos bodies.
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  Scanning electron micrograph of asbestos bodies. Note the rough surface and the beaded appearance caused by the material adhering to the surface of the asbestos fiber.

Anthracotic pigment is coal dust deposited in the lungs--it is seen in coal miners, city-dwellers, and smokers.