[Malignant mesothelioma: analysis of a hospital case series]

The 2000-2010 case record of our Institute includes 77 cases of malignant mesothelioma (MM) [67 pleural (40 males, 27 females; mean age 63.9 years), 9 peritoneal (7 males, 2 females; 67.9 years) and one testicular (38 year-old man)], often associated, with various degree of probability, to previous asbestos exposure (occupational or environmental). Twenty-four patients with pleural MM had undergone surgery (12 pleural decortication and 12 pneumonectomy), with median survival, respectively, of 14 +/- 4.33 (standard error) and 38 +/- 4.27 months, longer than that recorded without surgery (8 +/- 0.94 months). Four peritoneal cases underwent peritonectomy with hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy: one is still alive 20 months after diagnosis, the others died at 8, 18 and 36 months. The testicular case is still living 6 years after radical orchidectomy. In conclusion, due to past asbestos use, MM is often observed in the current clinical practice. Patients treated surgically present longer survivals.