A clinicopathological study of lung cancer patients with occupational exposure to chrysotile asbestos fibers

Abstract

Objective: To summarize the features of asbestos-related lung cancer. Patients: Thirty-one lung cancer patients with occupational exposure to chrysotile asbestos fibers. They worked or had worked in one asbestos factory or its subcontracters. Result: All patients were male with mean age of 60.6 when diagnosed, and all except one were current or ex-'heavy' smokers. Histological types were fairly evenly divided into adeno-, squamous and small cell carcinoma and 24 (78%) of patients showed 'peripheral type' lung cancers. Regarding clinical stages, 20 patients (65%) were classified as III or IV (advanced stage). Tumor shadow(s) was detected on chest X-ray in 22 patients (71%), and in 5 patients with 'negative' chest X-ray, chest CT was necessary to recognize a primary tumor. Seventeen patients (55%) did not undergo periodical check-ups. Conclusion: Occupational asbestos exposure is interpreted as one of the important risks for lung cancer and frequent and accurate observation is necessary.