Mesothelioma In Montana

Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services

September, 2005

Prepared by:

David L. Fulgham, Ph.D.

Christine Korhonen, M.PH.

Deborah Lemons, RHIA, C.T.R.

R. Bruce Schwartz, M.A., M.PA.

Michael R. Spence, M.D., M.PH.

INTRODUCTION

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the mesothelium, the tissue that covers the lungs and abdominal organs. These tumors tend to spread rapidly and may not be responsive to current cancer treatments.

Many patients die within two years of being diagnosed1. Therefore, prevention is the best way to combat this cancer.

Mesothelioma was first described in the 1700s2, and by the 1930s the tumors were suspected to be associated with occupational exposure to asbestos3. In 1960, a physician in South Africa noticed that 85% of his mesothelioma patients had worked in or lived near asbestos mines4.

The relationship between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma has now been well documented5-8. At least 70% of people with mesothelioma report being exposed to asbestos1.

1 National Cancer Institute. Malignant Mesothelioma: (PDQ) Treatment, Health Professional Version: 2005. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/malignantmesothelioma/HealthProfessional

2. Saccone A, Coblenz A. Endothelioma of the pleura. Am J Clin Pathol 1943; 13: 188-207.

3. Gloyne SR. Two cases of squamous carcinoma of the lung occurring in asbestosis. Tubercle 1935; 17: 5-10.

4Wagner JC, Sleggs CA, Marchand P. Diffuse pleural mesothelioma and asbestos exposure in the North Western Cape Province. Br J Ind Med 1960; 17: 260-271.

5Hammond E, Selikoff IJ, Churg J. Neoplasia among insulation workers in the United States with special reference to intra-abdominal neoplasia. Ann NY Acad Sci 1965; 132: 519-525.

6McDonald AD, McDonald JC. Malignant mesothelioma in North America. Cancer 1980; 46: 1650-1656.

7McDonald JC, McDonald AD. Epidemiology of mesothelioma from estimated incidence. Prev Med 1977; 6: 426-446.

8McDonald JC, McDonald AD, Armstron B, Sebastien P. Cohort study of mortality of vermiculite miners exposed to tremolite. Br J Ind Med 1986; 43: 436-444.