Predictors of survival in patients with locally advanced thymoma and thymic carcinoma (Masaoka stages III and IVa).

Objective: We sought to evaluate factors influencing long-term survival of patients with locally advanced thymoma/thymic carcinoma (Masaoka stages III and IVa) treated by immediate surgery or induction therapy plus surgery.

Methods: From January 1991 to April 2007, we surgically treated 61 patients with locally advanced thymoma/thymic carcinoma (Masaoka stages III and IVa). Staging included total body computed tomography (CT) scan in all patients, and chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 27 selected patients.

Malignant mesothelioma in Rome and Latium region, 1993-2001.

Aims And Background: Epidemiological studies on malignant mesothelioma have provided evidence on the etiologic role of occupational asbestos exposure and, to some extent, domestic and residential exposures. Less attention has been given to the occurrence of mesothelioma in urban areas where large quantities of asbestos have been employed in the past. The purpose of the study was to investigate the occurrence of mesothelioma in patients living in the urban area of Rome and in other parts of the Latium Region and the patterns of asbestos exposure.