Title:Epidemiology and Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma
Volume: 12
Issue: 4
Author(s): Jack A. Kastelik, Mahmoud Loubani, Michael Greenstone, Simon Hart and Anne Campbell
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Asbestos, epidemiology, malignant mesothelioma, pathology.
Abstract: Malignant Mesothelioma: Asbestos are naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials. It is
well recognised that inhalation of asbestos fibres especially amphiboles is the most important risk factor
for developing mesothelioma. The epidemiological models of association between the risks of asbestos
and malignant mesothelioma take into consideration not only cumulative exposure but also time since
first exposure. Current epidemiological estimates suggest that mesothelioma will remain a public health
problem for a number of years with epidemiological studies suggesting that the peak incidence of
mesothelioma has not been reached. In the global context, mesothelioma remains responsible for
between 15,000 - 20,000 deaths annually. Malignant mesothelioma can be divided as per World Health
Organization classification into epithelioid, sarcomatoid, desmoplastic and biphasic subtypes.
