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Updated: Sep 12, 2026

Orthotopic Implantation and Peripheral Immune Cell Monitoring in the II-45 Syngeneic Rat Mesothelioma Model
Published on: October 2, 2015
[Is malignant mesothelioma of the pleura only an occupational disease?]
Abstract:
Ten cases of pleural malignant mesothelioma identified histologically at the Department of General Medicine in May 1983-June 1987, are examined in this paper. Occupational risk factors and clinical features are discussed. Only one patient (10%) was subjected to occupational risk of asbestos exposure (as a smith) while the other nine patients showed a negative anamnesis for direct or indirect asbestos exposure. However, one of these patients was a tram-driver. The patients' mean age was 69 years old. 7 patients were males. 7 patients were born in an industrialized urban environment, 3 were born in an agricultural environment: all had been living in Milan for many years. Pleural fluid cytology was only useful in the diagnosis of 2 cases. This study suggests that pleural malignant mesothelioma is a neoplasm which also affects people not exposed to asbestos at work and that its frequency is increasing. The most probable cause is environmental contamination by asbestos of urban industrialized areas. Thus, it is necessary to eliminate this mineral from all manufacturing processes in which asbestos is not indispensable.
Insights
Malignant mesothelioma can affect individuals without occupational asbestos exposure, suggesting environmental contamination as a likely cause. This highlights the need to reduce asbestos use in manufacturing.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Environmental Health
Context:
- This study examines ten cases of pleural malignant mesothelioma diagnosed between 1983 and 1987.
- It investigates occupational risk factors and clinical presentations of these patients.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of asbestos exposure in patients with pleural malignant mesothelioma.
- To explore potential causes for mesothelioma in individuals without direct occupational exposure.
Summary:
- Only one of ten patients had a history of occupational asbestos exposure.
- The majority of patients had no known asbestos exposure, with many residing in urban, industrialized areas.
- Pleural fluid cytology proved diagnostic in only two cases.
Impact:
- The findings suggest that environmental asbestos contamination in urban areas may contribute to the increasing incidence of malignant mesothelioma.
- This underscores the importance of minimizing asbestos use in manufacturing processes.
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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-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.

