title: Epidemiology, biologic behavior, and natural history of mesothelioma.
abstract: Malignant pleural mesothelioma has a well described natural history but poorly defined pathogenesis. It is strongly associated with asbestos exposure. A predominantly locally invasive disease, the success of more aggressive life-prolonging therapies has increased the potential for the development of distant metastases in survivors. Recently described new risk factors may increase the incidence of this disease in future generations, underscoring the need for a more in-depth understanding of its pathobiology. This article reviews the current body of knowledge about the occurrence, distribution, presentation, and natural history of malignant pleural mesothelioma.
authors.affiliation: Division of Thoracic Surgery, Brigham & Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Lambros
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zellos
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Christiani
mesh_terms: D001194:Asbestos / Q000633:toxicity*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001194:Asbestos