Mesothelioma B005

Current RMA Instruments:

Changes from Previous Instruments:

ICD coding:

Pleural (ICD-10 C45.0)

Pericardium (ICD-10 C45.2)

Peritoneum (ICD-10 C45.1)

Brief description:

Mesothelioma is a primary malignant neoplasm that is rare, aggressive and life-threatening. It is a cancer involving the mesothelial cells of the body, which line closed potential spaces of the body including the pleura (most common), pericardium, peritoneum and the tunica vaginalis of the testis.  

Confirming the diagnosis:

A biopsy of the malignancy is obtained with histological and immunochemical analysis undertaken to confirm this diagnosis. 

The relevant medical specialist is a medical oncologist or a respiratory physician.

Conditions not covered by these SOPs   

• Soft tissue sarcoma*
• Hodgkin’s lymphoma*
• Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma*
• Carcinoid tumour *

* another SOP applies  - the SOP has the same name unless otherwise specified

# non-SOP condition

Clinical onset

Assessing the date of clinical onset requires first confirming the established diagnosis via analysis of tissue samples and appropriate test results. The clinical date of onset can then be taken further back, if possible, to the first presentation of symptoms and signs consistent with the neoplasm. For example, if the case involves pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough, weight loss and signs of enlarged lymph nodes. It usually will present in adults aged over 50 years old. 

Clinical worsening

For there to be an aggravation or situation involving clinical worsening, there needs to be clear progression of the condition out of keeping with the natural history expected of the underlying pathology.  Mesothelioma is usually associated with a poor prognosis and survival rate. Inability to obtain appropriate clinical management is unlikely to be relevant.