Documents Markowitz, Steven 2 results

"Lung cancer is the most common cause of death from cancer in the world. It is also the most common lethal work-related cancer. After tobacco smoking, occupational exposures present the most frequent specific cause of lung cancer that is amenable to intervention.
Early detection and treatment can identify and cure primary lung cancer. Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of low dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening among persons at high risk of lung cancer. Guidelines for determining eligibility for LDCT screening have been established for the general population but have largely neglected those for whom occupational exposure to lung carcinogens is a risk factor. ..."

Background Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is thought to arise from the mesothelial cells that line the pleural cavities. Most patients initially experience the insidious onset of chest pain or shortness of breath, and it rarely presents as spontaneous pneumothorax. Case reports We report four patients who presented in this manner. Three of the patients were exposed to asbestos directly or indirectly at shipyards during World War II; the fourth was exposed as an insulator's wife. Two of our cases were not recognized to have MPM on histologic examination at first thoracotomy and remained asymptomatic for 12 and 22 months, respectively. In none of the patients described herein, was spontaneous pneumothorax the cause of death. Conclusions Since many people were exposed to asbestos during and after World War II, spontaneous pneumothorax in a patient with the possibility of such exposure should raise the suspicion of malignant pleural mesothelioma.