Mylene Thi Mytien Truong MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Chitra Viswanathan MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Myrna Cobos Barco Godoy MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Marcelo Kuperman Benveniste MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Gregory W. Gladish MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Edith Michelle Marom MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To review the imaging, staging evaluation, and treatment considerations for malignant pleural mesothelioma.  To discuss imaging findings on CT, MR and PET-CT that are important to determine appropriate treatment with respect to medical, surgical and radiation therapy.

The TNM staging system stratifies patients into categories with similar prognoses in an effort to select homogeneous groups of patients for entry into clinical trials to better assess new treatment options. The primary imaging modality used in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment management of malignant pleural mesothelioma is CT. MRI can aid in the diagnosis of chest wall invasion or transdiaphragmatic extension. PET/CT is useful in the evaluation for nodal involvement and metastatic disease.

Multimodality regimens combining chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are being used more frequently in management of patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Accurate staging is important to distinguish patients who are resectable from those requiring palliative therapy. Knowledge of the utility and limitations of the various imaging modalities is important to determine accurate staging and treatment.

Truong, M, Viswanathan, C, Godoy, M, Benveniste, M, Gladish, G, Marom, E, Imaging, Staging Evaluation, and Treatment Considerations for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9002084.html