Using the material of the French Register, these authors define the epithelial aspects and the histological forms of diffuse pleural mesothelioma. Histochemistry studies, on pleural cytology and on tissues, are of the utmost importance in distinguishing mestothelioma from carcinoma. Hyaluronic acid is almost always showed in the epithelial mesothelioma, being otherwise only noticed in some very flourishing forms of mesothelial cell hyperplasia nad in rare mucus-secreting carcinoma. Cytoenzymology studies are very useful on pleural fluid material, making it possible to show the difference between macrophages and mesothelial cells. Difficulties encountered by pathologists are analysed with reference to the materials examined: cytology, needle biopsy, guided biopsies, surgical material and documents from autopsies. After a critical study of the structures seen in other pleural tumors mesothelioma is defined as a localized or diffuse tumor of the pleura, positively originating from mesothelial cells which manifest either epithelial structures of a double epithelial and mesenchymal composition.

Biopsy↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Asbestosis with sarcoid-like pulmonary lesions. A propos of one anatomoclinical case report].

A report of a clinico-pathological case of asbestosis with special histological lesions. The latter had a granulomatous appearance, progressing to fibrosis with Schaumann bodies organised around bodies with a ferruginous covering, apparently due to asbestosis. The histogenesis of the lesions is discussed, together with the need to take a precise professional history. The usefulness of certain simple methods of analysis is mentioned.

Asbestos↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Topographical variations of pulmonary and pleural asbestos fiber concentrations in variously exposed subjects].

The authors study three groups of subjects with different exposures to asbestos dust. The lung content in asbestos fibres is measured by optical and electron microscopy, the latter technique revealing preferential concentration of asbestos fibres in the peripheral zones of the lung, in particular in individuals subject to a moderate degree of professional exposure.

Asbestos↗