Exposure to asbestos is the major risk factor for the development of mesothelioma. The first association between asbestos and cancer was established in 1955 in a case-Control study, appearing in 1960 related data that also pleural mesothelioma. As discussed in previous chapters, there are two types of asbestos fibers, the “curvilinear” (chrysotile) and “straight” (crocidolite), the latter being primarily involved in tumor pathogenesis are being transported to the periphery of the lung and contact with the pleural surface, while the former remain in the central airways and are eliminated more easily. The latency period between initial exposure and death varies widely, with an average of 48 years.
Numerous epidemiological studies have demonstrated the relationship between exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma as well as its development after the intrapleural instillation or inhalation of asbestos fibers. However, although 80% of patients have a history of exposure to asbestos, only 10% of those exposed developed mesotelioma which suggests the existence of other associated factors among which highlights the role given to the simian virus SV- 40 as a cofactor in the pathogenesis of mesothelioma after checking the expression of viral sequence animales8 models. Some chromosomal abnormalities and deletions of regions 1q, 3p, 9p and 6q chromosome 22 have also been cited in the pathogenesis of mesothelioma.
Antman and col9 and col10 Roviaro and have found no relationship between the existence of prior radiation and presence of calcification postuberculosa, respectively, with cases of mesothelioma. There is no definitive evidence that snuff increases the risk of developing the disease.
Tags: Asbestos, asbestos fibers, Chrysotile, Crocidolite, Pleural Mesothelioma, Tumor Pathogenesis
