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Malignant tumors after chronic exposure to vinyl chloride

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Summary

Correlations between exposure to vinyl chloride and the development of malignant tumors in the liver have been known since 1974 and have been confirmed by many an experimental investigation. Based on the evaluation of mortality statistics from nine different countries an increased incidence of malignant tumors of the lung, the gastrointestinal tract, and the central nervous system (CNS), and of malignant lymphomas is documented in connection with exposure to vinyl chloride. Statistically significant increases, however, are only found in the incidence of malignant liver tumors. Metabolism and toxicology of vinyl chloride are discussed in detail.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Pathology (Director: Prof. E. Grundmann, MD, University of Münster, Domagkstr. 17, D-4400, Münster, Germany

    K. H. Emmerich

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  1. K. H. Emmerich
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  2. K. Norpoth
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Institute of Industrial Medicine and Silicosis Research

The “Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology” publishes in loose succession “Editorials” and “Guest Editorials” on current and/or controversial problems in experimental and clinical oncology. These contributions represent exclusively the personal opinion of the author. The Editors Die Zeitschrift “Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology” bringt in zwangloser Folge “Editorials” und “Guest Editorials” zu aktuellen und/oder kontroversen Problemen der experimentellen und klinischen Onkologie. Diese Beiträge geben ausschließlich die persönliche Meinung des Autors wieder.

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Emmerich, K.H., Norpoth, K. Malignant tumors after chronic exposure to vinyl chloride. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 102, 1–11 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00410529

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