Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) Practice Exam

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Where does mesothelioma typically arise?

Heart
Peritoneum
Pleura
Pericardium

The correct answer is: Pleura

Mesothelioma typically arises from the pleura, which is the membrane surrounding the lungs. This type of cancer is most commonly associated with asbestos exposure, and the pleura is particularly vulnerable because it directly contacts the inhaled fibers. When mesothelioma develops in the pleura, it can cause symptoms such as chest pain, persistent cough, and difficulty breathing, often due to the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space. While mesothelioma can also occur in other areas such as the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity, its strongest association and highest incidence is observed in the pleura. This is why the pleura is recognized as the primary site of mesothelioma occurrence. The other locations mentioned, such as the heart and pericardium, are involved less frequently and are not the primary sites of this type of cancer. The focus on pleural mesothelioma reflects both the prevalence of the disease and its linkage to occupational hazards associated with asbestos.