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Malignant Mesothelioma: Epidemiology

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Occupational Cancers

Abstract

Primary malignant neoplasms of the pleura and peritoneum originate from the mesothelial cells that line the respective cavities. The majority of these tumors are mesotheliomas. Mesothelioma is a relatively rare but very severe neoplasm, Exposure to asbestos (primarily on the workplace) is the main cause of mesothelioma. All types of asbestos fibers cause mesothelioma, but the potency of amphiboles is greater than that of chrysotile. The main determinant of mesothelioma risk is time since first asbestos exposure; duration and level of exposure play a minor role.

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  1. Institute for Translational Epidemiology and Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA

    Paolo Boffetta MD, MPH

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  1. Paolo Boffetta MD, MPH
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Correspondence to Paolo Boffetta MD, MPH .

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  1. Helsinki University Central Hospital and Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland

    Sisko Anttila

  2. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA

    Paolo Boffetta

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Boffetta, P. (2014). Malignant Mesothelioma: Epidemiology. In: Anttila, S., Boffetta, P. (eds) Occupational Cancers. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2825-0_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-2825-0_13

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