FAMILIAL PLEURAL MALIGNANT MESOTHELIOMA - CLUSTERING IN 3 SISTERS ANDONE COUSIN

Malignant mesothelioma is associated with asbestos, yet its occurrence in genetically-related individuals suggests a role of host predisposi tion. We have identified a cluster of pleural malignant mesothelioma i n three sisters and one cousin (male). The women had worked in the sam e confectionery shop as pastry cooks and/or pastry shop assistants; th e use of an asbestos-insulated oven was the putative source of exposur e. The man had occupational exposure as a heating system installation worker. The family history reported malignant cancers in first-degree (larynx, brother; pleura and lung, mother), second-degree (lung, aunt and uncle) and third-degree (lung, cousin) relatives. The study reveal s the potential existence of the mesothelioma risk among pastry cooks and highlights the fact that inherited factors may be involved in the development of this tumour. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inland Ltd. All rights reserved.