Crocidolite and mesothelioma.
This study reports changes in the frequency of detection of various asbestos fiber types between 1982 and 2005. Crocidolite is increasingly detected in U.S. mesothelioma patients. The percentage of crocidolite fibers detected in lung tissue has risen from 4 to 10%, and the percentage of cases in which crocidolite was detected increased from 19 to 37%. Meanwhile, the frequency of detection of amosite and chrysotile has decreased. The authors performed a detailed analysis of cases in which crocidolite was identified in the absence of amosite. Most of such cases were identified in recent years, a finding of concern since crocidolite is considered the most potent fiber type with respect to the pathogenesis of mesothelioma.
Schneider
Frank
F
Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. frank.schneider@duke.edu
Sporn
Thomas A
TA
Roggli
Victor L
VL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017639:Asbestos, Amosite / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D017638:Asbestos, Crocidolite / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D019016:Mineral Fibers; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000209:etiology; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000209:etiology; D012042:Registries
D019016:Mineral Fibers; D017638:Asbestos, Crocidolite; D017639:Asbestos, Amosite