What are risk factors for the development of malignant pleural mesothelioma?
Exposure to asbestos is the most important risk factor (amphibole fibers, including crocidolite and amosite, are the most potent causes). Other asbestos-related minerals and simian virus 40 (SV40) are also risk factors. About 80% of cases occur in patients with a history of asbestos exposure, with a lifetime risk of 10%. The latency period after exposure is an average of 40 years, with a range of approximately 15 to 65 years.