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Malignant mesothelioma in Japan: analysis of registered autopsy cases
1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan.
Abstract:
In the Annual of the Pathological Autopsy Cases in Japan, issued by the Japanese Society of Pathology from 1958 to 1996, a total of 1,846 (0.17%) malignant mesothelioma cases (1,287 male, 558 female, 1 unknown) were registered among 1,056,259 autopsy cases. The frequency of mesothelioma (number of cases/total autopsy cases) was 0.10% (461/440,334) for the term 1958-1979, 0.18% (716/390,124) for 1980-1989, and 0.30% (669/225,801) for 1990-1996; the frequency of cases increased significantly over the time periods (p < .0001). Among 1,785 cases for which tumor sites were ascertained, there were 1,213 pleural mesothelioma (68.0%), 431 peritoneal (24.1%), 108 pericardial (6.1%), 6 tunica vaginalis testis (0.3%), and 28 "others" (1.6%). Histological cell type was noted in 598 cases; 245 (41.0%) were epithelial, 168 (28.1%) were biphasic, and 185 (30.9%) were sarcomatous. Seventy-three (0.007%) cases of malignant mesothelioma with asbestosis were found during the entire 39-y period. The frequency of those with asbestosis (number of cases/total autopsy cases) was 0.001% (5/440,334) for the term 1958-1979, 0.006% (27/390,124) for 1980-1989, and 0.018% (41/225,801) for 1990-1996; this increase over time was statistically significant (p < .0001). Researchers expect that cases of asbestos-related mesothelioma will increase in Japan in the future. Tumor sites and histological cell types of mesothelioma with asbestosis did not differ from those in individuals without asbestosis.
Insights
Malignant mesothelioma cases in Japan significantly increased from 1958-1996, with asbestos-related cases also rising. Tumor characteristics were similar between asbestos-exposed and unexposed patients.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure.
- Understanding the trends and characteristics of mesothelioma is crucial for public health.
- Autopsy data provides valuable insights into disease prevalence and risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the trends in malignant mesothelioma incidence in Japan from 1958 to 1996.
- To investigate the frequency and characteristics of asbestos-related mesothelioma.
- To examine the changes in mesothelioma occurrence over different time periods.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of autopsy cases from the Annual of the Pathological Autopsy Cases in Japan (1958-1996).
- Inclusion of 1,056,259 autopsy cases, identifying 1,846 malignant mesothelioma cases.
- Categorization of cases by time period, tumor site, histological cell type, and presence of asbestosis.
Main Results:
- Malignant mesothelioma frequency increased significantly over time, from 0.10% (1958-1979) to 0.30% (1990-1996).
- Pleural mesothelioma was the most common type (68.0%), followed by peritoneal (24.1%).
- Asbestos-related mesothelioma cases also showed a statistically significant increase over the study period.
Conclusions:
- Malignant mesothelioma incidence has been rising in Japan, with a notable increase in asbestos-related cases.
- The study highlights the ongoing public health concern of asbestos exposure.
- Future increases in asbestos-related mesothelioma are anticipated in Japan.