Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
Published on: December 21, 2019
Pleural mesothelioma in a couple of brothers
Claudio Bianchi1, Tommaso Bianchi1
1Center for the Study of Environmental Cancer, Italian League against Cancer, Monfalcone, Italy.
Abstract:
Malignant mesotheliomas of the pleura, epithelial type, were observed in two brothers. Both the patients had histories of severe exposure to asbestos, having worked as insulators. The latency periods in the two cases were 26 and 38 years, respectively. Available literature data suggest that mesothelioma occurrence among blood-related people is favored by a genetic predisposition.
Insights
Two brothers developed malignant pleural mesothelioma after significant asbestos exposure. This suggests a potential genetic predisposition may increase cancer risk in families with asbestos exposure history.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Oncology
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer primarily linked to asbestos exposure.
- Genetic factors are increasingly recognized as potentially influencing cancer development.
Observation:
- Two brothers with a history of occupational asbestos exposure were diagnosed with epithelial malignant mesothelioma.
- The latency periods between exposure and diagnosis were 26 and 38 years.
Findings:
- The occurrence of mesothelioma in related individuals with shared environmental exposures points towards a possible genetic susceptibility.
- This familial clustering, combined with asbestos exposure, warrants further investigation into genetic predisposition for mesothelioma.
Implications:
- Understanding genetic predispositions can aid in identifying high-risk individuals for targeted screening and prevention strategies.
- This case highlights the complex interplay between environmental carcinogens like asbestos and host genetics in disease development.
Related Concept Videos
Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
Pleura of the Lungs
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:

