RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The association of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure is well known, but some data suggest that probably many people are still being exposed to asbestos without knowing it. METHODS: Between 1993 and 1996, 132 cases (77% males) of histologically confirmed malignant pleural mesothelioma and 257 controls, residents in two provinces of Spain (Barcelona and C¿adiz), were interviewed. They were classified according to their probability and intensity of occupational asbestos exposure by a panel of industrial hygienists, based on a detailed occupational history. RESULTS: Age and sex-adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the highest probability of exposure to asbestos was 13.2 (95% confidence interval 6.4-27.3), and 27.1 (9. 28-79.3) for high intensity. A dose-response trend was observed for both, probability and intensity. Overall, 61% of cases and 42% of controls had ever worked in an occupation with risk of asbestos exposure, with an OR of 2.59 (1.60-4.22). In our population 62% of cases could be attributed to occupational asbestos exposure. CONCLUSIONS: A high risk of pleural mesothelioma due to occupational asbestos exposure is confirmed, but there is still a sizeable proportion for which no evidence of occupational exposure was found. Most of these cases could be due to other sources of asbestos exposure, mainly domestic or environmental.
Asunto(s)
Mesotelioma/epidemiología , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Neoplasias Pleurales/epidemiología , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Amianto/efectos adversos , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Exposición Profesional , España/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
Plasma cell granuloma, on lung inflammatory pseudotumour, is a localized benign proliferation of plasma cells and mesenchymal cells. We report the case of a 45 yr old male, who first presented with mild pain in the left side of the chest. Chest radiography was normal. Eight weeks later he had more pain and an opacity in the left and lower zones of his left chest. After another 7 weeks he had fever and cough with yellowish-green sputum. Chest X-ray then showed a round density in the left upper lobe. The final diagnosis was established after thoracotomy histological examination.