Pathology of Asbestos-Associated Diseases integrates the newest research and advances in its discussion of asbestos-induced diseases. Organized in 13 chapters, the book begins with background information on the mineralogy of asbestos, occupation and environmental exposure to asbestos, and asbestosis. A detailed discussion on mesothelioma includes a historical background, addresses etiologic considerations and epidemiology, pathologic features, differential diagnosis and treatment and prognosis. Guidelines for assessing and identifying asbestos-associated carcinomas of the lung, including histopathology and differential diagnosis, are discussed. The text also addresses the explosion of research in the area of molecular biology and the abundance of information bearing on the mechanisms by which asbestos causes disease. Chapters also cover cytopathology and experimental models of asbestos-related diseases. The diseases associated with asbestos have significant medico-legal implications, and there are two chapters dedicated to addressing the issue. More than 190 illustrations complement the text. An invaluable reference for the pathologist, pulmonologist, radiologist, and occupational medical practitioner interested in asbestos-related disease as well as malpractice attorneys needing an understanding of asbestos, the diseases it induces, prognosis and clinical implications.

The pathologist who sees specimens from lesions of the serosal membranes (pleura, pericardium, peritoneum, and tunica vaginalis) is well aware that these cases, whether in the form of fluid cytologies, small biopsies, or major resections, pose differential diagnostic problems that are among the most difficult in anatomic pathology. The main problems involve the separation of malignant mesothelioma from benign mesothelial processes on the one hand and other malignant tumours (particularly primary and metastatic carcinomas) on the other. With these differential diagnoses in mind, the authors concentrate on the cytopathologic and histopathologic features of diffuse malignant mesothelioma, its many variants, and the other benign and malignant lesions to be distinguished from it. Histochemical, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and molecular features of potential use in this differentiation are discussed and illustrated. Common differential diagnostic problems and their solutions take precedence, but all of the known benign and malignant lesions of serosal membranes are covered, with copious illustrations and the latest available references. Epidemiologic, pathogenetic, clinical, radiographic and gross pathologic features are integrated with the discussions of these entities. This will be the most complete source available on this topic for years to come.