Malignant Mesothelioma Secondary To Chronic Inflammation And Old Scars: Two New Cases And Review Of The Literature - (1985)

Malignant Mesothelioma and Chronic Inflammation: Legal Implications for Asbestos-Related Cases

Abstract The study "Malignant Mesothelioma Secondary to Chronic Inflammation and Old Scars: Two New Cases and Review of the Literature" by Gunnar Hillerdal, MD, and Jonas Berg, MD, published in Cancer (1985), examines the development of malignant mesothelioma in individuals with chronic pleural inflammation and old scars. The authors present two case studies involving pleural tumors linked to tuberculosis-related therapeutic pneumothorax and chronic empyema. Additionally, they review 20 other cases from the literature, identifying a mix of tumor types, including squamous cell carcinomas and mesotheliomas. The study highlights the potential for mesothelioma to arise from chronic irritation and scarring, while acknowledging that asbestos exposure remains the primary cause of pleural mesothelioma.

Legal Relevance This study provides critical evidence for asbestos-related legal claims by exploring alternative pathways for mesothelioma development. While asbestos exposure is the predominant cause, the study’s findings on chronic inflammation and scarring offer a nuanced perspective that can strengthen legal arguments. For plaintiffs, the study reinforces the carcinogenic role of asbestos by detailing its biological effects, such as mesothelial cell activation and DNA changes. It also addresses potential defense claims that attempt to attribute mesothelioma to non-asbestos factors, such as old scars or chronic inflammation, by emphasizing that these cases are rare and secondary to asbestos exposure. This dual perspective allows attorneys to establish causation while preemptively countering common defense strategies.

Occupation Groups at Risk The study underscores the risks faced by individuals in occupations with high asbestos exposure, including:

• Construction Workers: Frequent exposure to asbestos-containing materials like insulation and cement.
• Shipyard Workers: High-risk due to asbestos use in shipbuilding and repair.
• Industrial Workers: Exposure in manufacturing asbestos products or working in environments with airborne fibers.
• Textile Workers: Handling asbestos-containing fabrics.
• Miners: Direct exposure to raw asbestos fibers. These groups are at heightened risk due to prolonged exposure to asbestos, often compounded by inadequate protective measures.

Current Medical Understanding The study aligns with current medical knowledge, which identifies asbestos exposure as the leading cause of mesothelioma. While the role of chronic inflammation and scarring is acknowledged, it is considered a secondary and less common pathway. The study’s findings remain relevant in understanding the multifactorial nature of mesothelioma development, but modern research continues to emphasize asbestos as the primary risk factor.

Citation Hillerdal, G., & Berg, J. (1985). Malignant mesothelioma secondary to chronic inflammation and old scars: Two new cases and review of the literature. Cancer, 55(9), 1968-1972. https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0142(19850501)55:9<1968::aid-cncr2820550923>3.0.co;2-9

National Library of Medicine Link For further details, visit the study on the National Library of Medicine: Malignant Mesothelioma Secondary to Chronic Inflammation and Old Scars.

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