Pleural Mesothelioma

ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS

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. (more…)