Desmoplastic

Term: DesmoplasticDefinition: A term used to describe a type of mesothelioma characterized by dense fibrous tissue.Phonetic Pronunciation: (dez-moh-PLAS-tik)Origin: The term "desmoplastic" comes from the Greek words "desmos," meaning "bond" or "ligament," and "plassein," meaning "to form." It reflects the fibrous nature of the tissue involved in this type of tumor.Significance in Asbestos Context: Desmoplastic mesothelioma is significant in the context of asbestos because it is a rare subtype of mesothelioma, a cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure. Understanding this subtype can be crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning for individuals exposed to asbestos.Example Sentence: The pathologist identified the patient's tumor as desmoplastic mesothelioma, likely caused by his previous exposure to asbestos in his workplace.Related Terms: Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, Pleural Plaques, Fibrosis, SarcomatoidNotes: - Desmoplastic mesothelioma is often more challenging to diagnose due to its similarity to other fibrous tumors. - It tends to have a poorer prognosis compared to other mesothelioma subtypes. - Accurate diagnosis may require specialized immunohistochemical staining.