Abstract

ECHEGOYEN CARMONA, Rufino  and  RIVERA ROSALES, Rosa María. Asbestosis and malignant pleural mesothelioma. Rev. Fac. Med. (Méx.) [online]. 2013, vol.56, n.2, pp.5-17. ISSN 2448-4865.

Review article considering clinical issues of asbestosis and pleural mesothelioma in the context of a potential pleural mesothelioma outbreak in Mexico in the next 50 years. The common etiologic agent of asbestosis and pleural mesothelioma are asbestos fibers. The history of asbestos dates from 5 000 years ago when Cypriots used it to make their garments, until its industrial usage in the 1870s and its prohibition in some countries after finding its direct relationship with asbestosis, lung cancer, and pleural mesothelioma. The main structural characteristics, chemical profile, and biological properties of asbestos are described here. In Mexico, chrysotile, or white asbestos, is used in 90% of the production of fibercements for the building industry, as well as in components of friction pieces, heating and textile industries. This article analyses the clinical, radiological, histological, and functional issues of asbestosis and pleural mesothelioma; as well as their treatment and prevention. The differential diagnoses for this disease in relation to other respiratory illnesses are described. Since the latent period for both asbestosis and pleural mesothelioma is between 20 and 40 years, an outbreak of pleural mesothelioma can be expected in Mexico in the next 50 years. The only effective way to prevent asbestosis and malignant pleural mesothelioma is banning asbestos-related industries.

Keywords : Chrysotile; fibrosis; immunohistochemistry; metastasis; outbreak; prevention.

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