Malignant mesothelioma with occupational and environmental asbestos exposure in an Illinois community hospital.

Clinical, radiologic, pathologic, and epidemiologic data on 32 patients with diffuse malignant mesothelioma (DMM) diagnosed between 1968 and 1984 at a 427-bed community hospital in Berwyn, Ill, were reviewed. Independent pathologists' review of light microscopy, supported by electron microscopy, immunoperoxidase staining, or autopsy, confirmed 29 pleural and three peritoneal DMMs. Clinical and radiologic characteristics were similar to those in published case series. Median age at diagnosis was 67 years, and median survival after diagnosis, seven months. Fourteen patients were women. Exposure histories were obtained through 22 interviews supplemented by hospital charts and death certificates. Thirty patients (94%) had a history of asbestos exposure through work (15 [47%]) and/or residence near an asbestos facility (27 [84%]). Medical records and death certificates underreported asbestos exposure and DMM.