Mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis testis and asbestos exposure

OBJECTIVE To describe cases of mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (MTVT) recorded in the Lombardy Mesothelioma Registry between 2000 and 2010. METHODS The Lombardy Mesothelioma Registry, established in 2000, collects data regarding all incident cases of mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium and tunica vaginalis testis that have been diagnosed in the population of the Lombardy region. These data include a detailed clinical report and a complete occupational history for each MTVT patient, with the latter including details of the industrial sector involved, the patient's job, and the specific tasks performed. To address the potential for asbestos exposure outside the work environment, the residential history, lifestyle habits and hobbies of the patient, as well as job information for all subjects living with the patient, are also collected. Records were reviewed and discussed by a panel of experts. RESULTS Thirteen cases of MTVT were reported between 2000 and 2010. The age-standardized incidence rate of MTVT for the Lombardy region of Italy is 0.2 cases per million individuals/year. Asbestos exposure was documented in 8 of the 12 (67%) interviewed cases. CONCLUSIONS Asbestos exposure was associated with a higher proportion of MTVT cases than previously reported in the literature. These results confirm the aetiological role for asbestos in the pathogenesis of MTVT. The results of this study also highlight the importance of obtaining detailed occupational histories and lifestyle habits from patients, particularly by trained interviewers.