Rarity of malignant mesothelioma prior to the widespread commercial introduction of asbestos: the Mount Sinai autopsy experience 1883-1910.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Most malignant mesotheliomas are related to asbestos exposure. Whether malignant mesothelioma occurs in the absence of asbestos exposure remains unsettled. To address this question we reviewed a series of 2,025 autopsies performed at the Mount Sinai Hospital between 1883 and 1910, prior to the widespread commercial introduction of asbestos. METHODS: Retrospective autopsy review. RESULTS: No cases of malignant mesothelioma were identified in 2,025 autopsies performed between 1883 and 1910. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant mesothelioma was rare prior to the widespread commercial introduction of asbestos.