Asbestos-Related Malignant Mesothelioma in The South of Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is a rare malignancy of the serosa membranes with a high mortality rate and long latent period. The relationship between a group of mineral fibers known as asbestos and mesothelioma is now well accepted in which people can be exposed to these fibers by various means during their lifetime. In addition to occupations directly in contact with asbestos such as asbestos mines and factories, certain occupations are much more at risk of MM due to extensive use of asbestos in industry. Several studies have been conducted to identify these occupations.Method: In this study, we analyzed the demographic features and occupations of confirmed cases of MM in Shiraz, southern Iran along with the follow-up of the patients' disease from 2008 to 2018.Results: Among the 35 confirmed cases of MM with an average of 61 years, 9 (25.7%) were female and 26 (74.3%) were male. At the time 12 patients have already died with a mean of 11.26 months after diagnosis. Our results showed a higher prevalence of MM among housekeepers and oil company employees. Compared to the control group, we concluded that employees of the oil company are at a high risk of MM in Iran. Also, individuals living near refinery locations had higher MM rates. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that exposure with asbestos, either through occupation or proximate living location to a source, had a significant correlation with MM occurrence. MM can be prevented if asbestos exposure is reduced.