Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 28, 2026

Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
07:54

Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice

Published on: December 21, 2019

Differences among peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma: data from the Lombardy Region Mesothelioma Register (Italy)

Carolina Mensi1, M Bonzini, Maria Macchione

  • 1Clinica del Lavoro "Luigi Devoto", Department of Preventive Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy. Carolina.Mensi@unimi.it

La Medicina Del Lavoro
|October 26, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

High asbestos exposure is a primary risk factor for both peritoneal mesothelioma (PEM) and pleural mesothelioma (PLM). This study found similar exposure patterns but higher rates of asbestosis and pleural plaques in PEM cases.

Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Environmental Epidemiology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The link between asbestos exposure and peritoneal mesothelioma (PEM) requires further investigation, with some research suggesting a weaker association compared to pleural mesothelioma (PLM).
  • Understanding exposure characteristics is crucial for diagnosing and preventing mesothelioma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the individual, clinical, and asbestos exposure characteristics of peritoneal mesothelioma (PEM) and pleural mesothelioma (PLM) cases in the Lombardy Region, Italy.
  • To investigate the role of cumulative asbestos exposure in the development of both mesothelioma types.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Lombardy Region mesothelioma registry (over 9 million population).
  • Analyzed 110 peritoneal mesothelioma (PEM) cases (2000-2007) and 515 pleural mesothelioma (PLM) cases (2000-2001).
  • Collected asbestos exposure details (occupational, environmental/familial) via questionnaires and assessed asbestosis/pleural plaques using CT scans.

Main Results:

  • Peritoneal mesothelioma (PEM) and pleural mesothelioma (PLM) cases showed similar occupational (approx. 60%) and environmental/familial (7%) asbestos exposure rates.
  • PEM cases exhibited a higher proportion of combined occupational and environmental/familial exposures (6.1% vs. 3.1%) and more frequent asbestosis (7.7% vs. 0.4%) and pleural plaques (20.9% vs. 12.1%) compared to PLM.
  • No significant differences in exposure duration or latency were found between occupationally exposed PEM and PLM cases.

Conclusions:

  • High cumulative asbestos exposure is identified as a significant risk factor for both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.
  • Findings support a strong etiological link between asbestos and peritoneal mesothelioma, similar to pleural mesothelioma.

More Related Videos

Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines08:01

Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines

Published on: April 21, 2022

Orthotopic Implantation and Peripheral Immune Cell Monitoring in the II-45 Syngeneic Rat Mesothelioma Model09:31

Orthotopic Implantation and Peripheral Immune Cell Monitoring in the II-45 Syngeneic Rat Mesothelioma Model

Published on: October 2, 2015

Related Concept Videos

Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description01:30

Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description

The pleura is a vital part of the respiratory system. It's a double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. The two layers of the pleura are:
Pleura of the Lungs01:13

Pleura of the Lungs

The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction01:25

Pleural Effusion I: Introduction

Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...