Diffuse Mesothelioma and Exposure to Asbestos Dust in the Merseyside Area

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Abstract
Seventeen cases of diffuse mesothelioma occurring in the Merseyside area were investigated and evidence was sought of exposure to asbestos dust. An account is given of the clinical features of diffuse mesothelioma, and in 12 cases the pathological findings at postmortem examination are described. Difficulties of histological diagnosis are discussed and the histological appearance of the tumours described. Exposure to asbestos had occurred in 14 (82%) of the 17 cases examined, and asbestos bodies were seen in seven out of 10 specimens of lung tissue examined. It is concluded that exposure to asbestos is a major factor in the causation of diffuse mesothelioma.