Epidemiology and Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant Mesothelioma: Asbestos are naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials. It is well recognised that inhalation of asbestos fibres especially amphiboles is the most important risk factor for developing mesothelioma. The epidemiological models of association between the risks of asbestos and malignant mesothelioma take into consideration not only cumulative exposure but also time since first exposure. Current epidemiological estimates suggest that mesothelioma will remain a public health problem for a number of years with epidemiological studies suggesting that the peak incidence of mesothelioma has not been reached. In the global context, mesothelioma remains responsible for between 15,000 - 20,000 deaths annually. Malignant mesothelioma can be divided as per World Health Organization classification into epithelioid, sarcomatoid, desmoplastic and biphasic subtypes.