13:30 - 15:30, No.2 Conference Room
Workshop E
Epidemiology and Public Health
Chairs: Gunnar Hillerdal and Kohki Inai
 |
Mensi C.1,2, Riboldi L.1,2, Rivolta G.1,2, Bachetti S.1, Consonni D.1, Pesatori AC.1, Chiappino G.1,2
1 Department of Occupational Health, University of Milano, Italy [not- attended, paper submission]
2 Lombardy Mesothelioma Registry, Italy
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The Lombardy Registry of Mesothelioma (LMR) started its activity in 2000 as a Regional Operating Centre (ROC) of the National Mesothelioma Registry, in application of a National law. The Registry collects all new cases of Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) of the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium and vaginal tunic of testis occurring in residents in Lombardy Region (Northern Italy) since 01/01/2000.
Objectives:
To estimate the regional incidence of MM, to define the asbestos exposure, to identify the unknown contamination sources.
Methods:
Every year about 300 suspected cases are actively reported by the selected departments (pathology, pneumology, surgery, oncology) of every hospital. For each case diagnosis is ascertained through examination of clinical records according to the National Registry Guidelines. For confirmed cases a standardized questionnaire is administered to the patient or his/her next-of-kin in order to verify possible asbestos exposure.
Results:
For the period 2000-2003, 697 cases were evaluated until now: the diagnosis was defined certain for 416 subjects (60%), probable for 78 (11%), possible for 40 (6%). For 160 subjects (23%) the diagnosis was not confirmed. For the 494 cases (338 M, 156 F) of MM with high degree of clinical ascertainment (MM certain + probable), the median age was 68 years (range 35-96), and the most representative site (94% of cases) was the pleura. Occupational exposure to asbestos has been found for about 60% of the cases. The most important exposures were in the building trades, metal manufacture, machine production and maintenance. An unexpectedly high proportion of cases had been employed in non-asbestos-textile factories. The age-standardized incidence rates of pleural MM were 3.8/100.000 [CI 95%: 3.1-4.4] and 1.4/100.000 [CI 95%: 1.1-1.7] respectively for males and females.
Conclusion:
Incidence rates of MM are amount the highest in Italy. An unexpected elevated risk was found for non-asbestos-textile workers.