Epidemiologic Characteristics of Malignant Mesothelioma in Korea

• DOI: 10.5124/jkma.2009.52.5.449
• Publication Date: 2010-07-12T10:47:15Z
• Authors: Hyoung Ryoul Kim; Yeon-Soon Ahn; Soon-Hee Jung
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 3. Good health

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive tumor occurring in mesothelial cells of the pleura and peritoneum. This cancer attributable to asbestos 80~90% patients. Asbestos has been widely used Korea since 1970s, therefore, a large number Korean workers, especially who engaged industries textiles, shipbuilding, or construction, have exposed occupationally. several kinds statistics showing mortality morbidity, which include registry data, surveillance data. According annual report Central Cancer Registry (KCCR), fatal malignant occurred around 40~50 cases year during recent 10 years (1993~2002). about 34 reported annually 2001. It also revealed that 60% patients experiences be past. The smaller than some developed countries such as United Kingdom, Germany, Japan. However, increased greatly Korea, it expected increase continuously considering consumption, happened other amounts asbestos. Therefore, active policies prevent asbestos-related compensate suffering from made Korea.