Anatomic pathology (Chicago, Ill. : annual)
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About 8% of our cases of mesothelioma occur in women, with a median age of 59 years. Our percentage is lower than other series reported in the literature because of the large number of occupationally exposed men referred to our laboratory. Tumor arose in the pleura in 86% of the women in our study, and the majority were epithelial. ⋯ An elevated tissue asbestos burden was noted in 70% of women from whom lung tissue was available for analysis. The main fiber type identified was amosite, followed by tremolite and chrysotile. These findings and those from other countries suggest a need for reassessment of the background rate of mesothelioma in industrialized nations.