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

Objective: 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.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: 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.