Mesothelioma in Mongolia: case report

International Journal of Occupational Environmental Health 2015 January 13 [Epub ahead of print] [Link]

Damiran N, Davaajav K, Erdenebayar E, Gomboloi B, Frank AL.

Abstract

Background

More than 80% of cases of mesothelioma worldwide have a history of asbestos exposure. In Mongolia, workers in coal burning thermal power plants (TPP) have widely utilized asbestos as an insulation material.

Methods

We describe the case of a 47-year-old woman diagnosed with a malignant pleural mesothelioma. She worked in a TPP in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia for 28 years.

Results

A computer tomography (CT) scan showed a circumferential ring around her left lung, and tissues’ samples had a biphasic variant of mesothelioma with epithelioid and sarcomatoid components.

Discussion

This is the first reported case of mesothelioma in Mongolia. We expect additional cases of mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos related diseases, will be identified in the future. In order to properly track asbestos related diseases in the country, we recommend the creation of an asbestos related disease registry.