Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
Published on: December 21, 2019
Epidemiology of peritoneal mesothelioma: a review
1International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France. boffetta@iarc.fr
Abstract:
The epidemiology of peritoneal mesothelioma is complicated by possible geographic and temporal variations in diagnostic practices. The incidence rates in industrialized countries range between 0.5 and three cases per million in men and between 0.2 and two cases per million in women. Exposure to asbestos is the main known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Results on peritoneal mesothelioma have been reported for 34 cohorts exposed to asbestos, among which a strong correlation was present between the percentages of deaths from pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma (correlation coefficient 0.8, P < 0.0001). Studies of workers exposed only or predominantly to chrysotile asbestos resulted in a lower proportion of total deaths from peritoneal mesothelioma than studies of workers exposed to amphibole or mixed type of asbestos. Cases of peritoneal mesothelioma have also been reported following exposure to erionite and Thorotrast, providing further evidence of common etiological factors with the pleural form of the disease. The role of other suspected risk factors, such as simian virus 40 infection and genetic predisposition, is unclear at present. Control of asbestos exposure remains the main approach to prevent peritoneal mesothelioma.
Insights
Peritoneal mesothelioma epidemiology is complex, with asbestos exposure being the primary cause. Different asbestos types influence disease risk, and prevention focuses on controlling asbestos exposure.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Epidemiology
- Occupational Health
- Oncology
Background:
- Peritoneal mesothelioma epidemiology is complex, influenced by diagnostic variations.
- Incidence rates vary globally, with higher rates in industrialized nations.
- Asbestos exposure is the primary known etiological factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of peritoneal mesothelioma.
- To explore the relationship between asbestos exposure and peritoneal mesothelioma.
- To identify etiological factors and preventive strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of 34 asbestos-exposed cohorts reporting on peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Correlation analysis between pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma mortality.
- Comparison of risk associated with different asbestos fiber types.
Main Results:
- A strong positive correlation exists between pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma deaths (r=0.8, P<0.0001).
- Exposure to amphibole or mixed asbestos types showed a higher proportion of peritoneal mesothelioma deaths compared to chrysotile.
- Erionite and Thorotrast exposure also linked to peritoneal mesothelioma.
Conclusions:
- Asbestos exposure is the principal cause of peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Amphibole asbestos and erionite are significant risk factors.
- Controlling asbestos exposure is crucial for preventing peritoneal mesothelioma.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
01:21Peritoneum
Anatomy of the Peritoneum
The peritoneum is divided into two layers: the parietal peritoneum and the visceral...
01:25Peritoneal Dialysis II: Peritoneal Dialysis Systems and Complications