Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Review Of 25 Patients - (1981)

Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Legal and Medical Insights for Asbestos Exposure Victims

Abstract The study "Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Review of 25 Patients" by Brenner, Sordillo, Magill, and Golbey (1981), published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, examines 25 cases of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma treated at Memorial Hospital between 1950 and 1980. The research highlights the rarity of this aggressive cancer, its clinical presentation, and treatment challenges. Key findings include a median survival of 12 months, with symptoms such as abdominal pain, distention, and masses. Histological analysis revealed epithelial, fibrosarcomatous, and mixed tumor types. Notably, none of the patients had a documented history of asbestos exposure, raising questions about potential undetected or indirect exposure. The study underscores the poor prognosis and limited treatment success for this disease.

Legal Relevance This study is a critical resource in asbestos-related legal claims, particularly for cases involving peritoneal mesothelioma. While the study found no clear asbestos exposure history among its patients, it does not negate the established link between asbestos and mesothelioma. Instead, it highlights the possibility of undetected or indirect exposure, which can be pivotal in cases where the plaintiff’s exposure history is unclear or disputed. The study’s findings on the disease’s aggressive nature and poor prognosis can also be used to demonstrate the severe impact on victims’ quality of life. Furthermore, the article supports arguments against common defense claims that asbestos exposure must be directly documented to establish causation.

Occupation Groups at Risk Certain occupations are at high risk of asbestos exposure, which is strongly linked to mesothelioma, including:

• Construction Workers: Exposure to asbestos in insulation, drywall, and cement.
• Shipyard Workers: Frequent contact with asbestos in shipbuilding materials.
• Insulation Installers: Handling asbestos-containing insulation materials.
• Boiler and Furnace Workers: Exposure to asbestos in heat-resistant materials.
• Pipefitters and Plumbers: Working with asbestos-lined pipes and ducts.
• Manufacturing Workers: Involvement in producing asbestos-containing products.
• Metal Workers and Welders: Exposure to asbestos in protective gear and equipment. These groups are particularly vulnerable due to the widespread use of asbestos in their industries.

Current Medical Understanding While the study did not identify asbestos exposure in its cohort, current medical research has firmly established asbestos as a primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Advances in diagnostic imaging and treatments, such as cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have improved outcomes for some patients. However, the disease remains rare and challenging to treat, with asbestos exposure remaining a significant risk factor.

Citation Brenner, J., Sordillo, P. P., Magill, G. B., & Golbey, R. B. (1981). Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: Review of 25 patients. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 75(4), 311-313. PMID: 7258177.

National Library of Medicine Link For additional details, visit the National Library of Medicine’s page for this study: PubMed Link.

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