MALIGNANT MESOTHELIOMA IN ROME, ITALY 1980-1995 - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 79 PATIENTS

Aim and background: To evaluate the characteristics of a case-series o f 79 malignant mesothelioma patients collected from the main teaching hospital of Rome, Italy, and other local clinics of Latium Region and to assess the role of asbestos exposure, since previous studies on the occurrence of the disease in this area were lacking. Methods: The stu dy included cytohistologically diagnosed malignant mesothelioma (71 pl eural, 7 peritoneal, and 1 testicular tunica vaginalis) detected or re ferred for consultation during the period 1980-1995. Information regar ding occupational and/or nonoccupational exposures was derived from cl inical records and interviews, when available. Results: Patients were resident in Pome and other towns of Latium; a few were from other part s of central and southern Italy. Exposure to asbestos was assessed for 45.5% of patients, another 45.5% had unknown exposure, and for the re maining 9% such information was lacking. Occupational exposure occurre d in 53% of men for whom information was available and nonoccupational exposure occurred in 20% of women. The study Identified two clusters of cases from an asbestos-cement plant and a facility where asbestos w as ubiquitous, Furthermore, most exposed subjects reported occupations in the construction industry, which is particularly active in the Lat ium Region; others were railroad workers, naval mechanics and navy per sonnel, bakers, explosive workers and car mechanics. A few patients re ported indoor exposure to asbestos at home and/or in the workplace. Co nclusions: The study confirmed that mesothelioma risk is present in se veral lob titles of the construction industry, and it is no longer con fined to workers employed in the manufacture or application of asbesto s products. The occurrence of malignant mesothelioma in patients with unexpected occupational and nonoccupational exposures indicates the ne ed for further investigation on previously underestimated exposures.