Mesothelioma Cases in Portugal: A Study on Epidemiology and Risk Factors

Strategic Insights -

A recent study conducted in Guimaraes, Portugal, has shed light on the incidence and characteristics of mesothelioma cases over a 36-year period. The research, led by Pedro M.M. Matos, retrospectively analyzed the data of 82 patients diagnosed with mesothelioma between 1988 and 2023. The study found that 69.51% of the patients were male, with a mean age at diagnosis of 67 years. The majority of cases (86.59%) involved pleural involvement, while 13.41% were peritoneal. The study also highlighted the need to investigate alternative etiologies, particularly in younger individuals or women, due to persistent exposure sources and the disease's latency period.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed 82 patients diagnosed with mesothelioma in a hospital in northern Portugal over a 36-year period (1988-2023).
  • 69.51% of the patients were male, with a mean age at diagnosis of 67 years.
  • The majority of cases (86.59%) involved pleural involvement, while 13.41% were peritoneal.
  • Of the total cases, 40.24% had identifiable occupational history, and 20 had probable asbestos exposure.
  • Two cases were linked to non-occupational causes.
  • The study emphasized the need to investigate alternative etiologies, particularly in younger individuals or women.
  • The research concluded that broader, prospective studies are needed to better understand the disease's evolution and determinants.

Statistics:

  • 82 patients were diagnosed with mesothelioma between 1988 and 2023.
  • 69.51% (n = 57) of patients were male.
  • 86.59% (n = 71) of cases had pleural involvement.
  • 13.41% (n = 11) of cases had peritoneal involvement.
  • 40.24% (n = 33) of patients had identifiable occupational history.
  • 20 patients had probable asbestos exposure.
  • Two cases were linked to non-occupational causes.
  • The mean age at diagnosis was 67 years (range: 28-85 years).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Mesotheliomas Study Findings Have Been Reported by Pedro M. M. Matos and Colleagues [Retrospective analysis of mesothelioma cases in a tertiary hospital in Northern Portugal (1988-2023): An epidemiological perspective]. Health & Medicine Week. August 22, 2025; p 3655.
  • Matos, P.M.M., et al. (2025). Retrospective analysis of mesothelioma cases in a tertiary hospital in Northern Portugal (1988-2023): An epidemiological perspective. Porto Biomedical Journal, 10(4).