In Reply to: sarcoma posted by joe on June 24, 2008 at 02:07:01:
I really have no idea what type of sarcoma, actually, which I have. I just have been told it's in the pleural lining, am unsure if that means on the lung side or the chest side. Of note, also, is always been wondering if that could also mean (present inthe fluid) or .... in the lining.
First, let's figure out what the pleura is...
The outer pleura (parietal pleura) covers and is attached to the chest wall. The inner pleura (visceral pleura) covers and is attached to the lung and other structures, i.e. blood vessels, bronchi and nerves. Between the two is a thin space known as the pleural space, which normally contains a small amount of pleural fluid.
It looks like it could be either of the two :
Synovial Cell Sarcoma -Soft Tissue Cancer
Synovial Cell sarcoma usually occurs in young adults. They are most commonly found in the arms or legs next to a joint. They are usually found around the joint capsule but rarely invade the joint itself. The most common site is adjacent to the knee. They are also commonly found near the foot, ankle and hand.
Leiomyosarcoma (Smooth Muscle Tumor) Uterine Sarcoma & Gastrointestinal Sarcoma -Soft Tissue Cancer
Leiomyosarcomas are cancerous tumors of the smooth muscle. They most commonly occur in the organs (e.g., gastrointestinal tract and the uterus). The average age of patients is 60 years. Of the tumors occurring in the GI tract 61% occur in the stomach, 29% in the small bowel, and 10% in the colon. Symptoms of GI or uterine leiomyosarcomas are significant bleeding and pain. Metastases occur in more than half of patients.
I say it may be that simply because ... the pleura is .... according to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pleura:
the lungs are surrounded by two serous membranes, the pleurae.
Each serous membrane is composed of a secretory epithelial layer and a connective tissue layer underneath.
- The epithelial layer, known as mesothelium, consists of a single layer of avascular flat nucleated cells (simple squamous epithelium) which produce the lubricating serous fluid. This fluid has a consistency similar to thin mucous. These cells are bound tightly to the underlying connective tissue.
- The connective tissue layer provides the blood vessels and nerves for the overlying secretory cells, and also serves as the binding layer which allows the whole serous membrane to adhere to organs and other structures.
But I can't find a reference to the Mesothelemia which is the basis for any type of sarcoma in the definition of leiomyosarcoma. And as the pleur has no muscle, So no muscle, so no leiomyosarcoma.