A clinicopathological study of lung cancer patients with occupational exposure to chrysotile asbestos fibers

Objective To summarize the features of asbestos-related lung cancer. Patien ts Thirty-one lung cancer patients with occupational exposure to chrysotile asbestos fibers. They worked or had worked in one asbestos factory or its subcontracters. Result All patients were male with mean age of 60.6 when di agnosed, and all except one were current or ex-'heavy' smokers. Histologica l types were fairly evenly divided into adeno-, squamous and small cell car cinoma and 24 (78%) of patients showed 'peripheral type' lung cancers. Rega rding clinical stages, 20 patients (65%) were classified as III or IV (adva nced stage). Tumor shadow(s) was detected on chest X-ray in 22 patients (71 %), and in 5 patients with 'negative' chest X-ray, chest CT was necessary t o recognize a primary tumor. Seventeen patients (55%) did not undergo perio dical check-ups. Conclusion Occupational asbestos exposure is interpreted a s one of the important risks for lung cancer and frequent and accurate obse rvation is necessary.