US EPA

3080565 

Journal Article 

Review 

[Pleural mesothelioma. I: History, epidemiology, clinical aspects (symptoms, diagnosis)] 

Neumeister, W; Gillissen, A; Rasche, K; Müller, KM; Schultze-Werninghaus, G 

2001 

1 

Medizinische Klinik
ISSN: 0723-5003
EISSN: 1615-6722 

URBAN & VOGEL 

MUNICH 

96 

12 

722-729 

German 

11785373 

10.1007/s00063-001-1110-z 

WOS:000172957700004 

EPIDEMIOLOGY: Although production and processing of asbestos have been prohibited for years, the incidence of mesothelioma of the pleura will rise in Western Europe. The incidence of mesothelioma will peak between the years 2010 and 2020. It will cause an estimated 250,000 deaths within the next 35 years.

PATHOGENESIS: The fact that exposure to asbestos fibers may result in mesothelioma was first described in 1960. The risk of developing mesothelioma depends mainly on the type of asbestos fibers and the way asbestos is manufactured. Environmental eronite fibers in Central Turkey are the cause of endemic mesothelioma. The pathogenetic role of infection with simian virus 40 is still not determined. Thoracic radiation is of minor importance in the etiology of pleural mesothelioma.

DIAGNOSIS: Between first symptoms of disease and diagnosis of mesothelioma often more than 6 months pass as clinical symptoms are rarely typical. Detection of early stages by invasive procedures and imaging is often very difficult. Histopathological distinction between adenocarcinoma and mesothelioma requires experienced pathologists. This implies that management of mesothelioma should only be performed in multidisciplinary cooperation in specialized centers. 

malignant pleural mesothelioma; epidemiology; clinical appearance; asbestos fibers