Malignant Mesothelioma Of The Pleura: Review Of 123 Patients - (1982)

Understanding Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: A Comprehensive Legal Perspective

Abstract The study "Malignant Mesothelioma of the Pleura: Review of 123 Patients," authored by Joseph Brenner, MD, Peter P. Sordillo, MD, Gordon B. Magill, MD, and Robert B. Golbey, MD, and published in Cancer in 1975, provides a detailed analysis of 123 cases of malignant pleural mesothelioma. The research highlights the significant role of asbestos exposure in the development of this aggressive cancer. It examines patient histories, diagnostic methods, treatment outcomes, and survival rates. The study found that 24% of patients had a history of asbestos exposure, with a median survival of just 12 months. This research underscores the devastating impact of mesothelioma and its strong association with asbestos exposure, making it a critical resource for understanding the disease and its legal implications.

Legal Relevance This study serves as a cornerstone for asbestos-related legal claims, offering scientific evidence to support cases involving mesothelioma. Here’s how it can be used in legal contexts:

1. Establishing Causation: The study confirms that 24% of patients had a documented history of asbestos exposure, reinforcing the link between asbestos and mesothelioma. This evidence can be pivotal in proving that a plaintiff’s exposure to asbestos caused their illness.

2. Occupational History Relevance: The study highlights the importance of occupational exposure to asbestos, which is often central to legal claims. It provides a basis for investigating the plaintiff’s work history and identifying potential sources of exposure.

3. Countering Defense Arguments: Defense teams often argue that mesothelioma could result from other factors. This study’s findings, particularly the strong correlation between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, can effectively counter such claims.

4. Demonstrating Impact: The study reports a median survival of 12 months and a five-year survival rate of only 5.6%, emphasizing the aggressive nature of mesothelioma. This data can be used to illustrate the severe impact of the disease on the plaintiff’s quality of life and life expectancy, supporting claims for damages.

5. Highlighting Diagnostic Challenges: The study notes that mesothelioma is often diagnosed through exploratory thoracotomy, as pleural biopsy and cytology are less effective. This can help explain diagnostic delays, which are often a point of contention in legal cases.

Occupation Groups at Risk The study’s findings highlight several occupational groups at high risk of asbestos exposure, making them more susceptible to developing mesothelioma. These include:

• Construction Workers: Asbestos was widely used in construction materials, such as insulation, roofing, and cement. Workers involved in demolition or renovation are particularly at risk of inhaling asbestos fibers.
• Shipyard Workers: The study aligns with other research showing that shipyard workers, including boilermakers, fitters, and welders, faced significant asbestos exposure due to its use in shipbuilding.
• Industrial Workers: Those in industries using asbestos for insulation or as a component in manufacturing processes are at high risk.
• Miners and Millers: Asbestos mining and milling exposed workers to high concentrations of asbestos fibers.
• Family Members of Workers: Secondary exposure can occur when workers bring asbestos fibers home on their clothing, putting their families at risk.

Current Medical Understanding The study’s findings remain consistent with modern medical knowledge, which continues to recognize asbestos exposure as the primary cause of malignant pleural mesothelioma. While advancements in diagnostic techniques, such as imaging and biomarker testing, have improved early detection, the prognosis for mesothelioma remains poor. Modern treatments, including immunotherapy and targeted therapies, offer some hope but were not available at the time of the study. The research also highlights the importance of early-stage diagnosis, as patients with epithelial mesothelioma and Stage I disease had better outcomes.

Citation Brenner, J., Sordillo, P. P., Magill, G. B., & Golbey, R. B. (1975). Malignant mesothelioma of the pleura: Review of 123 patients. Cancer, 49(11), 2431-2435. https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0142(19820601)49:11<2431::aid-cncr2820491134>3.0.co;2-w

National Library of Medicine Link For additional context and credibility, you can access the study on the National Library of Medicine’s website: Malignant Mesothelioma of the Pleura: Review of 123 Patients.

Contact Us Today If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced legal team specializes in asbestos litigation and is dedicated to helping victims and their families secure justice. We understand the devastating impact of asbestos-related diseases and are here to guide you through the legal process. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward holding negligent parties accountable.