Risk assessment for development of pulmonary mesothelioma.
While smoking greatly increases the likelihood of asbestos-related bronchogenic carcinoma, it is not associated with an increased risk of mesothelioma. Approximately 90% of cases of malignant pulmonary mesothelioma are asbestos-related, and there is a positive correlation between length of exposure and development of disease. Note that while age is not a direct risk factor, time elapsed since asbestos exposure is, since the delay between exposure and onset of disease is typically 25-45 years. Thus, a younger patient is less likely to have had sufficient time since asbestos exposure for the development of mesothelioma.