Advances in Malignant Mesothelioma

The New England Journal of Medicine. Volume 353:1591-1603 October 13, 2005. Number 15. [Link]

Bruce W.S. Robinson, M.D., and Richard A. Lake, Ph.D.

Abstract

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive tumor of serosal surfaces, such as the pleura and the peritoneum. This tumor was once rare, but its incidence is increasing worldwide, probably as a result of widespread exposure to asbestos, a factor with which it is associated (Table 1). There is substantial interest in this disease on the part of the medical community and the general public, because millions of people have been exposed to asbestos fibers, and many articles about the dangers of asbestos have appeared in the press.